Counter-espionage By U.k. Embassy Men (Press, 6 November 1962)
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Summary: Counter-espionage By U.k. Embassy Men (Press, 6 November 1962)
British intelligence has come under scrutiny following revelations that agents stationed in embassies abroad had been feeding false information to Moscow after being recruited by Russian intelligence, as reported by the "Sunday Telegraph" on 4 November 1962. The article stated that some embassy employees who had reported attempts at compromise or blackmail from the Russians were subsequently employed for counterespionage efforts. Senior intelligence officials had been aware of Russia's interest in individuals with potential homosexual inclinations and noted that Russia had managed to identify candidates for recruitment even before they left Britain for diplomatic posts, thanks to information relayed by Russian agents operating within the country. The case of George Blake, a double agent serving a 42-year sentence, exemplifies this espionage issue, as he allegedly provided Moscow with detailed lists of individuals likely to be assigned to embassies. Similarly, William Vassall, an Admiralty spy currently serving an 18-year term, reportedly collected information regarding the drinking habits, sexual tendencies, and political opinions of those expected to be posted abroad. The "Daily Telegraph" also highlighted that deliberate "plants" within embassies were orchestrated to gain deeper insights into current Russian espionage techniques. While some individuals who had reported Russian advances were flown back to Britain without facing consequences, others were left in place for counter-espionage activities. In the wake of these revelations, the Labour Opposition launched a severe critique of the government regarding the Vassall case. Labour’s defence spokesman, Mr Patrick Gordon Walker, described Vassall’s actions as "really hair-raising" and expressed hope that Lord Carrington, the First Lord of the Admiralty, would resign if an investigation concluded that his department had been negligent in its oversight.
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