UFO Dossier Highlights Need for Writing Training
1993 Case Sparks Witty but Inappropriate RAF Officer Correspondence
Aug 17, 2009
One bundle of correspondence from 1993 in the recently released UFO documents may have RAF Officers wincing over their lack of professionalism. The correspondence highlights the need for all military and government personnel to be given business writing training. The recently declassified material also serves as a reminder that, even if a document is protectively marked, it can be unclassified at any time and become available for the general public to read.
Fragments of Ions are Floating Case of 1993
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) Flying Saucer files from 1981 to 1996 that have recently been released include DEFE 24/1962. Pages 123-129 of that file contain pieces of military departmental correspondence generated from a letter sent to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire by a member of the public dated January 11th 1993.
The correspondent was concerned that not enough attention was being paid to the effects of the cosmos on a person’s aura and wrote, amongst other things, “Fragments of ions are floating. Personally nobody seems to regard my life ……. important enough to stop this stupid attack at my head and body.”
RAF Cranwell Requests Investigation Because of Threat to National Security
The letter was forwarded to the RAF’s Provost and Security Services (Northern Region) (P&SS NR) at RAF Newton with a covering letter by a Flight Lieutenant referencing the “fragments of ions are floating” phrase and stating that “Possibly the safety of mankind and especially the threat to the security of the Nation cannot be discounted.”
Another Flight Lieutenant at P&SS NR in turn forwards it to P&SS Western Region with another covering letter that says “We agree that the author’s astrofarcicalogical mumbo jumbology requires your urgent consideration …” and “…please advise us of the outcome of your galactic enquiries into whether the fragments of ions really are floating.”
P&SS Southern Region respond by passing the buck that is the enquiry to the RAF Flying Complaints Flight (FCF) with the words “… as the floating ions referred to in the original communication are clearly airborne we believe any further enquiries fall within the remit of FCF in light of the equipment and skills at your disposal.”
Whitehall Official Suggests Objects are Martian Space Cruisers
The exchange of correspondence finally ends up at the Flying Saucer desk of the MOD in Whitehall. Signed by the department’s “Chief UFO Investigator” a letter is sent to all military parties involved (but not the original correspondent) stating in one part “It seems quite incredible to me that addressees believed the objects were floating fragments of ions. As you should all have realised the objects were alien spacecraft – Martian space cruisers to be precise.”
The next paragraph goes on to say “The fact that these alien interlopers were flying around unchallenged, free to harass an innocent member of the public, is quite simply outrageous.” The author of this final letter then closes it by adding that an Inquiry will be set up and the addressees will be called to appear at it.
Military Humour Can Demonstrate a Lack of Professionalism
Whilst this series of letters is a good example of military humour, it is arguable that it should not have taken place at all. It happened a mere 16 years ago but the 30 year protection has now been lifted. It is quite possible the original correspondent is still alive and will be able to access and read this arguably derogatory document trail.
Increasingly successful challenges to closed official documents under the Freedom of Information Act are making more and more official documentation readily accessible. The example given in this article does raise the question as to whether or not the UK Government should ensure that all Civil Service and Military staff are given proper professional and business writing training as a priority.
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