SpyCatcher

[AlphaBravo]

Has anyone read this book?? I have just started it and its really good.. Its the autobiography of a former assistant director of MI5 and its UNCENSORED  :o , which is why it was banned for sale in the UK when it was published, though it is not now..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/13/newsid_2532000/2532583.stm
http://www.five.org.uk/security/mi5org/spycatch.htm

"Peter Wright joined MI5's A2 branch in 1955 as Principal Scientist; he served until 1976. Before joining he underwent two days training by John Cuckney, whom he quotes as saying of MI5's legal status, "It hasn't got one. The Security Service cannot have the normal status of a Whitehall department because its work very often involves transgressing propriety or the law." Cuckney went on to make clear that MI5 operated on the basis of the 11th commandment - "thou shalt not get caught". "


Craig

[ozzy72]

Not only have I got two copies (although one is MIA with a friend at the moment) but I can remember living through all the scandals and attempts by the Thatcher government to stop it being released in the UK. It rapidly became the hot thing to smuggle for a few months

[Gunny04]

Dont people realize by banning something it just makes it appear more fascinating to find out WHY it was banned? I should prolly read it though I am an american  ;D Cheers, Gunny

[ozzy72]

It revealed quite a bit about MI5 and 6 post-WWII operations and blunders as well as the odd success. It is well worth the read and I'm sure you can pick up a copy for less than the postage on eBay or Amazon