Foreign intelligence has always been, is and will be the force that ensures the stability of any state. Of course, the methods of such units are significantly different from those used by law enforcement agencies of states, however, it is thanks to foreign intelligence that any country can anticipate an imminent threat and prevent it.
Today, the most powerful and capable intelligence services are the CIA (USA), the FSB (RF) and MI-6 (UK).
As for the latter, practically no one knew about its existence until the end of the 20th century, when the British authorities officially recognized this service. Until that time, there were a wide variety of rumors about MI6. Today, the veil of mystery is gradually dissipating. This gives us the opportunity to find out what actually constitutes MI-6 (reconnaissance).
Foundation History
English intelligence MI-6 was created in 1909. At that far stage, the service was formed in the form of a special bureau by the joint forces of the Admiralty (the highest command of the naval forces) and the War Ministry. As we understand, at this stage the tasks of the bureau were rather vague. Only a couple of years later, it began to specialize in foreign intelligence and counterintelligence. Already in 1914, this specialization was fully entrenched in the bureau. The main impetus for the creation of such a reconnaissance body was the growing power of the German Empire. The creation of a mobile network of spies would constantly receive information about the state of the German army.
MI-6 during the First World War
There are many legends about how MI-6 (reconnaissance) acted during the First World War. Most of the materials of this period are classified, which makes it impossible to speak with confidence about the events of a hundred years ago. Nevertheless, it is reliably known that the British intelligence MI-6, or rather, its employees, actively worked in Russia, the German Empire and other European countries.
The Second World War
There is much more information about how British intelligence MI-6 acted during the Second World War. First of all, we need to recall the famous Office of Special Operations, which was created by Winston Churchill and personally subordinated to him. The management was formed on the basis of a special diversionary section of the intelligence service.
It engaged in sabotage, and also organized sabotage in the rear of the enemy and in the occupied territories. Today it is known about a large number of ODR operations in countries such as France, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Yugoslavia, Germany, Norway and the USSR. As for the latter, very little is known about operations on the territory of this state, although the ODR office was located during the war in Moscow. It was led by George Hill, who worked with the Communists before the
outbreak of World War II.
MI6 today
Today, MI-6 is intelligence, which is the most effective and one of the most classified intelligence organizations in the world. Service employees work undercover in many of the terrorist organizations that currently exist. The great secrecy is explained by the fact that many foreign citizens will cease to cooperate with MI-6 if they are not sure of the secrecy of their activities.
Thus, even today little is known about the operations of this agency, unlike the CIA and the FSB of Russia. For greater conspiracy, the service is included in the
structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is headed by MI-6 Director, who is the Deputy Minister.
Nevertheless, the service is subordinate to the Prime Minister, and the direct coordination of its activities takes place through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Abroad, MI-6 has about 87 well-known residences and headquarters in London, located at 85 Alberta Embankment. In the novels of the famous writer Fleming about James Bond (MI-6 agent), the “book” headquarters was in Regent's Park. In fact, the intelligence service was never located there.
Office structure
MI-6 is a structural agency, consisting of five main directories, namely:
1. Directory of administrative staffing. In fact, this element is responsible for the selection of new personnel for the service of the crown, and also deals with other administrative issues.
2. Directory of intelligence preparation. This is the analytical department, which filters all the information received in MI-6, and also prepares reports and other necessary documentation.
3. The controllers directory consists of several regional operational departments of British intelligence. This directory is one of the most mobile in MI-6.
4. Directory of external counterintelligence and security. The department is engaged in the development of foreign intelligence services, and also ensures the safety of the activities of its agents.
5. The most classified department is the special intelligence directory. Officially, it provides the MI6 agents with innovations in the world of espionage, although there are many rumors about the special foreign intelligence activities of the directory.
In addition to the listed structural elements of MI-6, British intelligence has a department of advisers on issues related to international relations. The number of MI-6 personnel is not known to this day, since this information is a state secret. It should be noted that MI-6 (intelligence, whose structure photo is presented in the article) never publishes data on its activities in the media.
Who is recruited to serve in the British intelligence?
The British Intelligence Service MI-6 is the most prestigious agency. People from aristocratic families, military personnel of various branches of the armed forces, graduates of the University of Cambridge and Oxford, SAS military personnel, police officers, as well as the personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively involved in it. Keep in mind the fact that MI-6 is primarily a spy organization, and not military intelligence. Therefore, specific requirements are put forward for employees, along with a sufficient level of physical fitness and moral qualities.
Legal basis of activity
Until 1994, the activities of MI-6 did not have a legal basis in the UK. However, after the adoption of the law "On Intelligence Services" a certain legal regulation appeared. This normative act clearly defines the definition of intelligence activity, and also describes the right of special services to carry out activities in the interests of the state. In addition, the law removes responsibility from intelligence officers for actions that are considered crimes in the UK if they were carried out in the interests of the state and its security. The law provides for the creation of a special committee under parliament, which should monitor the activities of special services, as well as monitor the distribution of budget funds for their maintenance.
Conclusion
So, we examined the structure, legal basis and aspects of the activities of the MI-6 special intelligence service. Given the high level of secrecy, many interesting data on this agency are still not known. Let's hope that over time, the veil of secrecy will open slightly.