Description
Book SynopsisThe methods developed by British intelligence in the early twentieth century continue to resonate today. Much like now, the intelligence activity of the British in the pre-Second World War era focused on immediate threats posed by subversive, clandestine networks against a backdrop of shifting great power politics. Even though the First World War had ended, the battle against Britain's enemies continued unabated during the period of the 1920s and 1930s. Buffeted by political interference and often fighting for their very survival, Britain's intelligence services turned to fight a new, clandestine war against rising powers Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany. Using recently declassified files of the British Security Service (MI5), The Secret War Between the Wars details the operations and tradecraft of British intelligence to thwart Communist revolutionaries, Soviet agents, and Nazi sympathizers during the interwar period. This new study charts the development of British intelligence methods and policies in the early twentieth century and illuminates the fraught path of intelligence leading to the Second World War. An analysis of Britain's most riveting interwar espionage cases tells the story of Britain's transition between peace and war. The methods developed by British intelligence in the early twentieth century continue to resonate today. Much like now, the intelligence activity of the British in the pre-Second World War era focused on immediate threats posed by subversive, clandestine networks against a backdrop of shifting great power politics. As Western countries continue to face the challenge of terrorism, and in an era of geopolitical change heralded by the rise of China and the resurgence of Russia, a return to the past may provide context for a better understanding of the future. Kevin Quinlan received his PhD in History from the University of Cambridge. He works in Washington, DC.
Trade ReviewThis study is a welcome contribution to the growing literature on the secret activities of the British state in the interwar period. . . . [An] enjoyable read on an important period of MI5 history. * AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW *
[A]n impressively researched and insightful history that highlights the centrality of the geopolitical rivalry between Britain and Russia - or, perhaps more accurately, the Soviet Union - and the importance of understanding the intelligence wars of the early twentieth century. * H-NET REVIEWS *
A fascinating and well-written book. It may and should become a standard text in British libraries, but it will certainly become that in foreign organisations (friends and foes alike) that are studying the modern history of the UK. * INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (UK) *
[T]his book is a gem. ... intriguing and riveting ... from chapter one to the end it is a great read. Each chapter is essentially a case-study in intelligence tradecraft, ranging from the use of official (diplomatic) cover for espionage purposes; counter-subversion; recruitment and handling; penetration agents; and, finally, defection and debriefing. ... In short, The Secret War Between the Wars is a great book. * INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Architecture of British Intelligence Official Cover: Nikolai Klishko and the Russian Trade Delegation Counter-Subversion: Labour Unrest and the General Strike of 1926 Recruitment and Handling: Macartney, Ewer and the Cambridge Five Penetration Agents (I): Maxwell Knight, the CPGB and the Woolwich Arsenal Penetration Agents (II): Maxwell Knight, Fascist Organisations and the Right Club Defection and Debriefing (I): Walter Krivitsky Defection and Debriefing (II): Walter Krivitsky Conclusion Appendices Bibliography
