Minister Resigns In Naval Security Row (Press, 10 November 1962)

On 8 November 1962, a political uproar in the UK Parliament culminated in the resignation of Mr Thomas Galbraith, the Under-Secretary for Scotland and former Civil Lord of the Admiralty. This development followed a week of intense scrutiny regarding naval security after revelations about Galbraith's association with William Vassall, a homosexual who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for selling naval secrets to Russia. The Prime Minister, Mr Harold Macmillan, announced Galbraith's resignation during a session of the House of Commons, amidst allegations concerning the nature of his interactions with Vassall. The controversy arose after a series of personal letters from Galbraith to Vassall were unexpectedly published, revealing correspondence that mainly addressed mundane office matters but also included references to their "friendship." In response to the growing concerns about security, a three-man committee of senior civil servants was tasked with investigating the matter following the trial of Vassall. The committee concluded that, based on the letters, there was no evidence of a relationship that posed a security risk, prompting claims from the government that Galbraith's departure helped dispel the serious implications surrounding the case. However, the Labour Opposition expressed discontent with Macmillan's decision not to initiate an independent inquiry into Vassall’s case, leading them to issue a censure motion. A parliamentary debate on the motion was anticipated for the following week. Galbraith’s involvement with Vassall garnered particular attention when it was disclosed during the trial that Vassall had transported confidential Admiralty documents to Galbraith’s home in Scotland in a locked briefcase and that the two had shared a lunch together. Additionally, it was revealed that after the death of Vassall’s mother, Galbraith and his wife, who is Belgian-born, had briefly visited Vassall at his flat. Galbraith, who is 45 years old, has reportedly agreed to the release of his letters, which were found in Vassall's posh West End residence upon his arrest. Despite the resignation, it is understood that he intends to remain a member of Parliament. Following the resignation announcement, Mr Macmillan expressed confidence that the House would welcome the clarification provided by the investigation into Galbraith’s ties to Vassall.

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