Thirtieth edition of the N&O column / Spooks newsletter

(Date: Wed, 01 Nov 2000 22:16:15 +0100)

Intelligence news

Enigma G312 theft

The theft on 1 April of the Enigma G312 cypher machine from Bletchley Park is still unresolved. The machine, valued at GBP 100,000, has been returned but there a three rotors missing.

The police believes that it may have been an inside job. The machine was stolen while over 100 people visitors were in the building. Infrared equipment was planned to be installed two days later.

It is possible that the mystery will be solved soon. The current owner, who calls himself 'the master' claims that he has innocently bought the Enigma from a third party, unaware that it had been stolen. Via a mystery intermediary 'the master' demands a ransom of GBP 25,000 and a guarantee of immunity from prosecution for the safe return of the G312 rotors.

Mrs Maureen Bingham denies Spying for Russia.

Following on from my previous article 'DAVID BINGHAM, NAVAL SPY' [N&O #29] an interesting piece entitled 'Gran: I didn't spy for Russia' and penned by Rosa Prince appeared in the British newspaper, the 'Daily Mirror' on 20th September 2000.

Mrs Maureen Bingham, of Bournemouth Dorset, now aged 63, was jailed in 1972 after being found guilty of charges under the Official Secrets Act. [Her late husband Sub-Lt David Bingham served only 7 years of a 21 year sentence]. Maureen Bingham, who states that she did not spy for the Russians, now claims that her then husband persuaded her to take some of the blame. She further claims that this action led to their divorce. A picture of Maureen Bingham showed that her once dark hair is now white, but she has maintained her looks from when she was in the public gaze in 1972. She now has 14 grand children.

Despite the passage of some 28 years from her court appearance Mrs Bingham claims that she is still shouted at and has notes and excrement posted through her letterbox. Mrs Bingham claims that her attempts to have her case referred to the Court of Appeal is being blocked by MI5 who, she claims, will not release key files.

Paul Beaumont, ENIGMA 2000

Edmond Pope

The FSB arrested Edmond Pope in April, and authorities accused him of buying plans for a high-tech submarine torpedo. Pope, a retired naval intelligence officer, has denied the espionage charges. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. [Washington Post]

Japan Calls in Chinese Ambassador over Spy Ship

[Agence France Presse, Sep 11, 2000]

TOKYO -- Japan's government said Monday it had called in the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Chen Jian, to complain about a spy ship operating in its waters.

The Chinese research vessel, Haijian 49, was spotted September 5 off the southern island of Amami Oshima within Japan's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a foreign ministry official said. It remained until September 7, he said.

Up to August 7 this year, Japan had detected 17 cases in which Chinese scientific research vessels ventured into Japan's exclusive economic zone without prior notice to Japan.

Missile attack rocks Britain's secret spy headquarters

The headquarters of Britain's fortress-like foreign intelligence agency in central London was rocked by a "small missile" in an attack late Wednesday, said the head of Scotland Yard's antiterrorist branch, Alan Fry. [AFP, 20/9]

The MI6 building is the headquarters of one of Britain's most secret organisations. The fortress-like building on the south bank of the Thames is known as Vauxhall Cross, and is formally a part of the Foreign Office. But it is now an open secret that it houses the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) - better known to the public by the name it was given upon its formation in 1921: Military Intelligence section

six, or MI6 for short. The service's members were involved in espionage and other intelligence activities abroad throughout the Cold War. The MI6 building is packed full of top security devices including CCTV, and bomb- and bullet-proof walls and windows. Most of the complex operates below street level to protect the most sensitive areas from terrorist attacks. [SKY NEWS, 24/9]

FSB assumes new role in border troops

[RFE/RL Security Watch]

"Versty" reported on 7 October that the Kremlin has decided to dismantle the counterintelligence department of the Federal Border Service (FPS) and transfer them to the FSB. Before the Soviet KGB was divided in 1991, the FSP did not have an independent internal security function and was under the control of the KGB's Military Counterintelligence Directorate. Under President Boris Yeltsin, the FSP gained in status and saw the number of its general officers increase from 95 to 195. The latest change comes under the rubric of military reform, but in practical terms, it will mean that the FSB will gain considerable clout over border troops just as the KGB had before the end of Soviet power.