Letters
Enemies within
Sir: As one who, but for a successful operation by the KGB in 1965, would probably still be a member of the House of Commons, I have much sympathy for the 'conspiracy theory' so cogently advanced by Mr McElwaine (Letters, 25 February). My own experience on the British Naval Mission to Russia in 1941-42, followed by a period of co-operation with the Foreign Office on the Joint Intelligence Staff in London, and later in my capacity as Chief of Naval Intelligence in Germany allied me to follow a similar line of reasoning.
The report of the Vassal' Tribunal, in particular, gives support to this theory, unless we are to accept the alternative of almost inconceivable incompetence on the part of ourdiplomatic representativesof that period. I, myself, have a vivid recollection of a visit to London from Germany in, I think 1950, to discuss a particularly secret matter concerning the Russians. The Foreign Office made the necessary arrangements, and in due course I was ushered into the presence of — Kim Philby.
In these circumstances it is not altogether surprising that this great Department of State should strenuously oppose a suggestion sponsored by the Monday Club, that an amnesty be offered, under conditions of complete secrecy, to British agents of Soviet Russia still operating in thiscountry, a measure which could cripple the KGB's espionage networks overnight. What is good enough for illegal immigrants seems to be inappropriate when applied to 'enemies within'. Like Mr McElwaine, I have drawn my own conclusions.
(Commander) Anthony Courtney Mulberry House
Urchfont Devizes, Wiltshire
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