My reference: LSM/FOI/120909/11

Background. In 1995, the British Army completed a paper, the title of which was words to the effect of "The British Army's Right To Be Different" [from British society]. This was prepared either for the Army Board (AB), or the Executive Committee of the Army Board (ECAB). This was one of three papers on ‘ethos’.

Further to s1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000: Please provide:

a. The final version of all three AB/ECAB ‘ethos’ papers .

b. All available draft copies of those papers.

c. All comments and submissions from within the Army and MOD as part of the staffing process of those papers, and their drafts.

d. Minutes of the Army Board and Executive Committee of the Army Board which discussed those papers, and their drafts.

My preferred format to receive this information is by electronic means. If one part of this request can be answered sooner than others, please send that information first followed by any subsequent data. If you need any clarification of this request please feel free to email me. If FOI requests of a similar nature have already been asked could you please include your responses to those requests.

I note that under s16 of the Act, it is the MOD's duty to provide advice and assistance, so far as it would be reasonable to expect the authority to do so, to persons who make requests for information to it. Accordingly, if the MOD considers attempting to block release of information under s12 of the Act (exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit), please a) provide a breakdown of costs, and b) explain what information *would* be releasable within the appropriate limit according to the department's purported calculations. I would, in that situation, apply for internal review, and ultimately apply for decision by the Information Commissioner, per s50 of the Act.

I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request, and I look forward to hearing from you within the 20-working day statutory time period.

Regards,

L Mowday
Ms