Nelson & His World

Discussion on the life and times of Admiral Lord Nelson
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 Post subject: National Archives - Forgeries
PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 5:18 pm 
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Location: mid-Wales
Although the matter is not connected to Nelson or the eighteenth century, I think anyone engaged in historical research will have been disturbed to learn of the discovery of forged documents in the National Archives.

All the suspect documents related to the Second World War. Forensic examination confirmed that they were recent forgeries and had been introduced into the files from 2000 onwards. 29 individual forgeries were found in 12 separate files.

The results of the investigation can be accessed at:

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/foi/log2007.htm

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that it is 'not in the public interest' to prosecute and the file is now closed.

I wonder what forum members feel about this decision.


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PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:21 pm 
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Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Tycho,

I think this is shameful. What I think is even worse, is the attitude of the CPS! 'Not in the public interest to prosecute'? Why not, if the culprits can be found!

This attitude by public bodies seems to be creeping into modern life more and more. It seems as though they can't be bothered. It is however, surely, just this reasoning, that makes it go on - and the perpetrators know they'll get away with it!

I can't help thinking Nelson (to bring him into it) would agree!

Kester


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PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 8:03 pm 
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I was appalled by the reason given for not prosecuting: 'not in the public interest'. One can see that it might be pointless to prosecute on flimsy evidence with little hope of a conviction, but if the evidence is there it seems quite outrageous that no action is taken against the alleged perpetrator.

If genuine documents are stolen or defaced action is usually taken. Surely it is equally heinous to tamper with the truth in this way? We must be able to trust the public record and anyone who is suspected of undermining that trust should, I think, be called to account.

I was a Search Room Officer at the Public Record Office (as the NA was then known) and while we had to be on our guard against theft, I don't think it would ever have occurred to us that anyone would actually insert material. What innocents we were!


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PostPosted: Sun May 18, 2008 10:59 pm 
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Location: England
This is amazing! I'm incredulous.

Sadly the decision not to prosecute doesn't surprise me, but the idea that someone would actually go so far as to fabricate historic documents for such a purpose does.

Sheesh!


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