"A remarkable, never disclosed story..." Peter Hennessy
"A must-read book for those interested in a personal drama at the frontline of international relations"Dr Calder Walton, author & historian
"A rare look behind the scenes of British intelligence... this story is not only well-told but also true" Nicholas Reynolds, former CIA officer, New York Times bestselling author
Drawing on previously undisclosed personal papers, this biography of Walter Bell gives a remarkable insight into the working of British Intelligence. He was at heart of the emerging intelligence special relationship between Britain and America before, during and immediately after WW2 - the very time that MI6 had been penetrated by Russian intelligence. He was acquainted with Philby, Burgess and Maclean.
Moving to MI5 Bell had postings in Kenya, India, and the West Indies, playing a crucial role in the passing power of power to newly independent governments, and developing close ties with agents of influence at the highest levels in the former colonies, from journalists and judges to generals and independence heroes.
Back home he was intimately involved in operations to limit the reputation damage provoked by the media outcry over the Cambridge Five affair and suspected KGB misinformation about further alleged Soviet agents at the highest level of the British state.
He was rewarded for his service with a CMG and the US Medal of Freedom.