Britain’s Conundrum ... (Press, 22 May 1987)

In a reflection on Britain's intelligence services, William Garner discusses the internal complexities and rivalries between MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service, and MIS, the counter-intelligence service. Garner highlights that MI6 operates primarily on foreign spies, particularly within Soviet bloc countries and the Republic of Ireland, while MIS is tasked with overseeing and investigating MI6. This competitive dynamic leads to a peculiar situation where each agency not only spies on foreign threats but also keeps tabs on one another. Garner uses the controversial careers of Sir Roger Hollis and Sir Maurice Oldfield to illustrate the intersection of espionage and personal lives within these institutions. Hollis, who was the director-general of MIS, is portrayed as having had an extramarital affair with his secretary, which raised suspicions regarding his loyalty. On the other hand, Oldfield, who held a senior role in MI6, had a homosexual lifestyle that included frequenting male sex workers. Despite their different personal lives, both men faced scrutiny within the intelligence community. Oldfield’s eventual exposure as a homosexual was reportedly facilitated by a strategic leak from MIS, while Hollis continues to be under suspicion of being a Soviet agent, albeit with less compelling evidence. The espionage world is characterised as a "Hall of Mirrors," where the nature of trust is complicated. Garner emphasises that although MI5 (the security service) and MI6 have a shared goal of national security, their methods and internal politics can create fractures. Each service operates under the pressure of potential infiltration by moles, leading to an environment of mistrust. The narrative illustrates the paradox of working within the intelligence community: both MI5 and MI6 must keep secrets from each other while remaining focused on external threats. Carrington draws parallels to a poacher and gamekeeper relationship, where both may inhabit the same space but remain suspicious of each other's intentions. The legacy of past moles, like Kim Philby, who was discovered to have shared intelligence with the Soviet Union, continues to loom large, making the question of loyalty and betrayal a central theme in the life of spies. Garner concludes that trust in the security services is a fragile concept, where personal failings can become public crises and where collective goals can lead to creative undermining. The examination of this complex world reveals that espionage is not merely about gathering intelligence but also about managing intricate interpersonal relationships and maintaining a facade of unity amidst underlying rivalries. The article serves as both an exploration of the historical context of British spying and a commentary on the human factors that can affect national security.

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