GB: Air Ministry classifies UFO reports Restricted
On December 16, 1953, the British Air Ministry instructed all RAF stations to classify UFO sightings as 'Restricted' and forward reports exclusively to the DDI (Tech) intelligence branch for investigation.
Background
Background
On December 16, 1953, the British Air Ministry issued an instruction to all RAF stations standardising the handling of UFO observations. This marked a formal step in the official treatment of unidentified aerial appearances.
Details of the Directive
Sightings were to be classified as "Restricted". Personnel were permitted to pass information only to authorised bodies. All reports had to be sent centrally to the air intelligence branch DDI (Tech), which was now responsible for investigations. The aim was orderly collection and analysis in order to curb speculation.
Significance
The measure points to growing institutional attention to UFO phenomena in Britain following the US events of 1952. It established a central investigative mechanism and limited public communication, which indicates security concerns. Sources confirm continuity until 1957.