This material is under embargo until 00.01 14 May 2008
The National Archives virtual press event - UFOs
For first time, The National Archives is making 8 Ministry of Defence (MoD) files relating to (Unidentified Flying Objects) UFOs available on Monday
12 May 2008.
The files will be available to download at no charge for the first month, online at
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos. These are the first files to be released by the MoD as part of a 4-year transfer project relating to UFOs. The
files are under embargo until the 00.01am 14 May 2008.
Visitors to the site will, in addition to downloading the files, be able to listen to a podcast from Dr David Clarke, senior lecturer, Hallam
University, discussing the files and the release. He has also written a background briefing on UFO files held at The National Archives.
There is also a short videocast from Nick Pope, a British UFO specialist presents a short videocast providing additional explanations.
The files cover 1978 to 1987 and contain details on recorded incidents from the Ministry of Defence during this time.
Some of the highlights include:
DEFE 24/1925 - this file contains a long letter and drawings from a member of the public describing his 'physical and psychic contact' with green
aliens since he was a child. One of them called Algar was killed in 1984 by another race of beings. The writer says that he visited their bases in
the Wirral and Cheshire, whilst his wife reported seeing a UFO shot down over Wallasey Town.
DEFE 31/172 - On 21 February 1982, a group of customers and staff in Tunbridge Wells report an unknown object with green and red flashing lights -
seen heading in the direction of Gatwick. (p.22)
DEFE 31/172 - A detailed briefing prepared by the Ministry of Defence for Lord Strabolgi, Government Chief Whip, for debate on UFO's in the House of
Lords in January 1979. Paddy Stevens who briefed the Government spokesperson, said, "there is nothing to indicate that UFOlogy is anything but
claptrap..." (Page 126-135)
Plus many more.
If you would like any further information, please contact
Tim Matthews on 020 8392 5277, or
[email protected].
Press Officer
The National Archives,
Email:
[email protected]
Tel: 0208 392 5277 ext 2578
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk