National Archives

The complainant asked for the information contained in a closed part of a file held by The National Archives (‘TNA’). The file in question was entitled ‘Situation in Katanga: correspondence between Sir R Welensky and the Prime Minister’. TNA argued that the information was exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 27(1)(a) because disclosure would be likely to prejudice the UK’s relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo and 27(1)(b) because disclosure would be likely to prejudice the UK’s relations with the UN. The Commissioner has concluded that section 27(1)(b) is not engaged. In respect of section 27(1)(a) he has concluded that it is only engaged in respect of a small portion of the withheld information. However, where section 27(1)(a) is engaged, the public interest favours maintaining the exemption. Information Tribunal appeal number EA/2010/0100 allowed.