Ministry of Defence Correspondence File: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) 1993

This document is a collection of correspondence and administrative records from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the United Kingdom, dated throughout 1993. The file documents the MOD's policy and administrative handling of public reports regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The primary stance of the MOD, as articulated in numerous letters to the public, is that its role is strictly limited to assessing whether reported sightings pose a threat to the security of the United Kingdom. The MOD explicitly states that it does not conduct research into the UFO phenomenon itself, nor does it employ staff solely for that purpose. Instead, reports are passed to relevant departments concerned with air defence as part of their normal duties. The correspondence reveals a consistent pattern: when members of the public report sightings, the MOD acknowledges the report, confirms that no other reports were received that might tie in with the sighting, and suggests that the witness contact civilian organisations such as the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) or Quest International for further study. The file also contains internal memoranda, including a working paper from the RAF Support Command (RAFSC) regarding a sighting over Benwick, Cambridgeshire, in July 1993, which suggests that helicopter activity from RAF Alconbury was the most likely explanation. There is significant discussion regarding the '30 Year Rule' for the release of government files, with the MOD explaining that files are subject to the Public Records Act and are generally closed for 30 years. The document also touches upon the 'Halt Memo' related to the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident, with the MOD dismissing the associated audio tape as a likely hoax. The file includes various maps showing the geographical distribution of UFO reports in the UK for 1991 and 1992, with notes attributing clusters of sightings to specific events like air shows, searchlights, or illuminated airships. The MOD maintains an open-minded but skeptical position, asserting that most sightings can be explained by known objects or phenomena, while acknowledging that a small percentage may defy immediate explanation.