British Radar Secrets (Press, 25 July 1960)

A report from the "News Chronicle" on 22 July 1960 has revealed that Russian espionage efforts in the United Kingdom have been focused on infiltrating Britain's radar and electronic research sectors. This information coincided with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's announcement in the House of Commons regarding the deportation of 18 prominent Soviet agents over the past two years. According to the report, these agents were engaged in covert activities aimed at understanding the personal lives of employees within these sensitive research establishments. Specifically, they targeted individuals who might have homosexual tendencies, as well as those who could be lured by attractive women, whom the agents were prepared to use as seduction tools. The Russian intelligence practice is said to favour blackmail over monetary incentives when it comes to extracting information, highlighting the effectiveness of coercion based on personal vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the report indicates that the agents’ attempts at manipulation were unsuccessful. The lack of willingness from the targeted employees to engage in any illicit activities raised suspicions about the agents. Their unusual movements and attempts to interact with workers near confidential research sites were noted and reported, leading to their expulsion from the country. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about espionage and national security, particularly in light of the Cold War tensions between the West and the Soviet Union.

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