Document authenticity - update

Document authenticity - update

16 September 2005

The National Archives has completed its investigation into the forged files. The results have been passed to the police for further investigation. The National Archives will make future statements as appropriate as the investigation continues.

31 August 2005

The National Archives is continuing to take the investigation into forged documents - which includes appropriate forensic testing - extremely seriously. We have tightened up our security procedures and will issue a further statement when we have more news.

12 July 2005

Five documents within files FO 800/868 and HS 8/944 have been identified as forgeries. We've extended the scope of our official investigation to include documents on four other files - FO 371/26145, FO 371/60508, FO 371/26991 and FO 794/19. We're seeking further clarification on the legal advice and will then consider the next steps, including whether any other files need to be examined.

8 July 2005

Reports in the press have questioned the authenticity of five documents within files FO 800/9868 and HS 8/944. The National Archives has taken these allegations extremely seriously. We commissioned an official forensic examination which has now concluded that these five documents are, indeed, forgeries. In the light of this, we are reviewing our own procedures and taking legal advice, with a view to further action.

5 July 2005

There have been reports in the press since Saturday 2 July about the authenticity of a number of documents within our files. The National Archives takes this extremely seriously and we have launched our own official investigation. We will place a notice on our website when we have further information.