MEPO 38/174 – Prosecution for illegal gun running from 1924 to 1933

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.046882

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to consult in person the following file: Reference: MEPO 38/174 Description: Cecil Herbert ATTFIELD (Captain) and Frederick Gealy FIRMIN (Captain): prosecution for illegal gun running Date: 1924-1933 Held by: Creating government department or its successor, not available at The National Archives Former reference in its original department: 370/AA/30

Decision

MEPO 38/174 has been requested previously under FOIA and a partial disclosure provided, most recently in 2014. However, given the date of the last disclosure and this request, a further review of MEPO 38/174 was conducted to determine if
additional information can be released. Following this review, it has been determined that additional information is suitable for release.

Whilst some information can be disclosed, some documentation has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure and therefore this response serves as a Refusal Notice under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act).

Reason for Decision

Certain content within MEPO 38/174 has been withheld under exemption provisions due to the sensitive nature of the material. Specifically, the file contains information sourced from a confidential informant, as well as personal addresses that remain in active use today. Disclosure of such details would compromise individual privacy and the integrity of a confidential sources. As a result, Sections 30(2)(B) and S40(2) and (3) of the FOIA have been applied.

Disclosure

Please find below a copy of the released publications contained in MEPO 38/174, separated into five parts, some of which have been redacted as per the exemptions above.