World Wide Diplomatic Archives Index: The United Kingdom
Legislation
Recent legislation under the Freedom of Information Act stipulates that a document is available as soon as it is created unless it falls under the list of exceptions to the Act. This replaces the previous thirty-year rule.
Location
The National Archives: Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU (about 40 minutes by train from central London).
Procedures
Researchers are required to obtain a reader ticket. This can be done at the site by showing a passport or national identity card. Researchers may request three documents at a time and this can be done prior to arrival.
Website
Published Documents
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes Documents on British Policy Overseas in three series covering British foreign relations since 1945. It has previously published British Documents on the Origins of the War (1898-1914) and Documents on British Foreign Policy (1919-39).