UK Parliament: Disclosure on Rendlesham papers
On June 10, 1996, UK Minister Nicholas Soames informed Parliament that MoD holds Rendlesham documents including the USAF deputy commander's report, internal memos, and public letters. This response came to MP Martin Redmond's inquiry.
Background
Background
In June 1996, the MP Martin Redmond questioned the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Nicholas Soames, in the House of Commons about records relating to the Rendlesham case of 1980. The incident near RAF Woodbridge had involved USAF personnel and caused continuing debate.
Official Response
Soames stated that his department held three kinds of document: the report by the deputy base commander of the USAF at RAF Woodbridge, internal working papers, and correspondence from the public. No further details about investigations or secrecy were given.
Significance
The statement sheds light on the extent of official MoD files on the Rendlesham incident, which involved lights, landing traces, and radiation readings. It underlines the lack of transparency despite public interest and feeds speculation about military relevance. Source: Isaac Koi (2024).