Agent Called To Account (Press, 29 December 1987)

On 29 December 1987, the British Government sought clarification from former M. I.6 officer Anthony Cavendish regarding his decision to privately publish his memoirs, "Inside Intelligence," and distribute copies to 500 friends as Christmas gifts. The 160-page book serves as a defence of his late friend, Sir Maurice Oldfield, who was a prominent figure in security under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, particularly in Northern Ireland, and had previously been director-general of M. I.6. In a letter addressed to Cavendish, the Government requested details about the contents of his book and the extent of its distribution. Whitehall sources indicated that it was unlikely there would be legal repercussions similar to those seen with Peter Wright’s "Spycatcher" memoirs. The outcome of the matter may hinge on Cavendish’s response to the Government’s inquiry. The correspondence aligns with the Government's established stance that retired intelligence officers are expected to uphold the confidentiality of their duties and maintain allegiance to the Crown for life. Cavendish, who left M. I.6 in 1953 following a disagreement with his superiors, aims to defend Sir Maurice Oldfield's reputation. He suspects that a smear campaign concerning Oldfield's alleged homosexual activities has been orchestrated since his death in 1981. Cavendish admits Oldfield may have been involved in “certain peccadilloes,” yet asserts that many of the claims made against him are “disgusting, ludicrous and not true.”

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