Cheltenham: GCHQ UFO Probe & Special Branch Visit
Researcher Robin Cole investigated GCHQ Oakley's UFO links, revealing 1950s RAF sightings and monitoring. Soon after his report, Special Branch officers posed as local police to question him.
Background
Investigation of GCHQ Activities
In March 1997, Robin Cole and his group Circular Forum surveyed the nearby GCHQ Oakley facility in Cheltenham, England. He published an internal report on evidence of a cover-up, including sightings by RAF personnel in the 1950s, analyses of pilot film showing unidentified objects, UFO literature in the GCHQ library, and continuing monitoring of military UFO cases.
Visitors from Special Branch
Shortly after his report "GCHQ and the UFO Cover-up" was circulated, two officers appeared presenting themselves as Cheltenham police and asked about the group Truth-Seekers. They belonged to the Metropolitan Police Special Branch, a counter-terrorism unit, which points to close surveillance.
Significance
The episode illustrates the interest of British intelligence in UFO researchers and the potential security concerns raised by disclosures about GCHQ involvement in UFO data since the 1950s, including intercepted radio traffic.