In the name of honesty...

[Cap'n Jack]

All I can suggest, Ally, is that you read the present Gill thread, and the many others that are in the archives.

[Phil Carter]

Hi Archaic,

many thanks!.. Unfortunately, for some reason, the first web page site you wrote of wont download!! Help!...lol

best regards

Phil

[Archaic]

Hi, Phil, I just sent you a pm. Being so archaic I am probably the worst person to consult re: computer issues, but I think you just need a PDF Reader, which is a free download.

Archaic

[Phil Carter]

Hi, Phil, I just sent you a pm. Being so archaic I am probably the worst person to consult re: computer issues, but I think you just need a PDF Reader, which is a free download.

Archaic

Hi Archaic, many thanks... will do asap.. blinking pdf's!!!!

best wishes

Phil

[Chris]

I went on the Metropolitan Police website & found a link regarding Special Branch, including a summary of its history, purpose, and responsibilities.
I thought it might be of interest to others, so the link is below. Many other links are available via the Metropolitan Police Website, so a link to their main website is below too.

There is also this page on the National Archives website, with a link to catalogue pages for the Special Branch records held there:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/securityhistory/branch.htm

But don't try to follow the link to the "Special Branch website" - it has a classification of 404.

[Phil Carter]

Chris,

Brilliant...both POSITIVE and negative!

The files status is stated as OPEN to the public, and are from 1888 onwards!
However, read this..

"Metropolitan Police Special Branch records are subjected to a review process, during which those of no historical importance or continued administrative use are routinely destroyed. The earliest surviving records of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch date from 1888. Many of the records which have survived, as well as more recent records, contain information which remains sensitive long after the files have passed out of active use and, as a result, are the subject of retention within the department."

So...who's got a day off and wants to go to Kew?

Thanks so much... this was positive, and a brilliant example of what CAN be done by cooperation. Helping each other to dot the "i"s and cross the "t"'s

There must be a trick in this... something will stop it..lol

It can't be this simple...can it?

best wishes

Phil

[Archaic]

Thanks, Chris. But what does "404" mean?

"Top Secret"? "Stop or we'll shoot"?

Yikes!

Cheers, Archaic

[Chris]

Thanks, Chris. But what does "404" mean?

"Top Secret"? "Stop or we'll shoot"?

Sorry - it was an attempt at humour. 404 just means "Page not found".

[Phil Carter]

404

Sorry - it was an attempt at humour. 404 just means "Page not found".

Chris.. not found...in perpetuity??? lol

best wishes

Phil

[Tom_Wescott]

Now we know what happens when Chris tries to have a sense of humor.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Chris]

"Metropolitan Police Special Branch records are subjected to a review process, during which those of no historical importance or continued administrative use are routinely destroyed. The earliest surviving records of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch date from 1888. Many of the records which have survived, as well as more recent records, contain information which remains sensitive long after the files have passed out of active use and, as a result, are the subject of retention within the department."

So...who's got a day off and wants to go to Kew?

I would assume the Special Branch records at Kew will have been checked, though perhaps it's safer not to make assumptions. The records in the online catalogue are not very informative even regarding dates. It might be a question of having to order the documents up and leaf through them to see what's there.

In previous discussions it has definitely been stated that some Special Branch records referring to the Whitechapel Murders have been retained rather than being sent to the National Archives.

PS to Tom. I think you're being a bit unfair. I quite often attempt to make jokes. It's just that most of the time people don't seem to realise they're meant to be funny.

[Trevor Marriott]

Just wanted to say anyone thinking of going to Kew save yourself a journey and unnecessary expense there is nothing there of interest

[Archaic]

Just wanted to say anyone thinking of going to Kew save yourself a journey and unnecessary expense there is nothing there of interest

Trevor, how can you say that??? I would KILL to go to Kew!

Well, maybe not really kill, maybe just maim or something...

I still wanna go, sounds better than Disneyland to me!

Best regards, Archaic

[Chris]

Just wanted to say anyone thinking of going to Kew save yourself a journey and unnecessary expense there is nothing there of interest

I'm afraid I must take issue with that. I'm sure people have been over the MEPO files, but nothing of interest at Kew ...?

[Robert]

It's so long ago now that I can't remember exactly, but I think Stewart said that the files are kept confidential if they relate to Fenianism, informers, counter-terrorism...I must say, it's difficult to imagine a situation where info from 1888 could compromise anyone's safety or any important operation.