Dr Christopher Murphy has been a lecturer in Intelligence Studies at Salford University since 2006. His specific research interests include the history of the British intelligence community from the origins of the Security Service and Secret Intelligence Service to the present day.
This material relates to research undertaken by a variety of academics concerning intelligence and security. It contains materials released from several government departments, such as the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence, following Freedom of Information requests.
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Description created by Ian Johnston, Christopher Murphy and Emma Duncan, April 2016
This material was released by the Cabinet Office in response to a FOI request made by Dr Christopher J. Murphy in 2005, which asked for information relating to the publication of the book The Ultra Secret, by F W Winterbotham, in 1974. The publication of The Ultra Secret is widely held to be the point at which the general public came to learn about the codebreaking work that had taken place at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, which had hitherto been a closely guarded official secret.
Consists of a letter from Constantine FitzGibbon, dated 25 November 1974, to Edward Heath, asking whether Prime Ministerial permission had been granted for publication. William Waldegrave, head of Heath's Private Office, forwarded the letter to Sir John Hunt, with a request for advice as to an appropriate reply. This is followed by internal departmental correspondence, concluding with a draft reply to FitzGibbon's letter, which was forwarded to Waldegrave on 9 December 1974.
Consists of a series of Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) papers concerning the publication of The Ultra Secret
Consists of a series of Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) papers related to the publication of The Ultra Secret. These include the revelation that wartime signals intelligence (SIGINT) material, considered to be too sensitive for release into the public domain had, in fact, already been released to the Public Records Office in error.
Consists of two papers, and covering letters, concerning the 'Official History of Intelligence in World War II' project and what are described as 'related issues'
Copy of correspondence from Cabinet Office to Christopher Murphy in relation to his request for information relating to the book The Ultra Secret
This material was released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in response to an FOI request made by Dr Christopher J. Murphy in 2005, which asked for information relating to the publication of the book Spycatcher. Written by Peter Wright, a former Security Service officer (with Paul Greengrass), the book was particularly controversial, and considerable efforts were taken by the Thatcher government to prevent publication. The released material was presented in the form of a 'Digest of Information'.
Series of typed extracts from telegrams to and from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, dated 10 March - 14 December 1987
Copy of letter from Foreign and Commonwealth Office to Christopher Murphy in relation to his request for information relating to the book Spycatcher
This material was released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in January 2012 in response to an FOI request made by Dr Dan Lomas in November 2011, which asked for information relating to the formation of a small secret committee to look into the disappearance of Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean in the spring of 1951. The released material concerns the work undertaken by a Committee of Enquiry established by the Foreign Secretary, Herbert Morrison, on 7 July 1951. The Committee was chaired by Sir Alexander Cadogan, former Permanent Under-Secretary. Other members of the Committee included Sir Norman Brook and Neville Bland.
The released material consists of numerous internal Foreign Office memoranda and correspondence, along with earlier papers relating to Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean and a copy of the committee's final report, which was sent to the Foreign Secretary by William Strang (PUS at the Foreign Office) on 3 November 1951. At the point of release the material was separated into three different 'sets'.
Contains a copy of the Cadogan Report; an equiry held regarding security matters in the Foreign Service following the disappearance of Maclean and Burgess. Also contains correspondence regarding the suggestions made by the committee.
Includes correspondence regarding vetting staff, and a questionnaire for new staff. Also includes findings regarding Maclean and Burgess, including information relating to their earlier careers.
Includes correspondence regarding a meeting with Burgess prior to his disappearance, and correspondence regarding the suspension and eventual termination of Maclean and Burgess from the Security Serivce. Also contains records of Bursgess' career, progression and misconduct.
Copy of correspondence from Cabinet Office to Dan Lomas in relation to his request for information relating to the disappearance of Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean.
This collection of documents was obtained by Mr William Carruthers through FOI requests made to the Ministry of Defence. They are concerned with the early Cold War period, and whilst they have a range of subject matter, each contains information relating to the use of deception as a defensive strategy.
This file consists of documents and correspondence relating to the formation and membership of the Scientists Committee. Established in June 1948, the purpose of the committee was to exaggerate the progress of British scientific research and to hinder Russian research and development of new weapons. This file also includes correspondence regarding the role of the Committee of Defence Research Policy.
Contains documents relating to matters of defence in Hong Kong, specifically the use of deception to achieve this. Specific defence issues include a lack of an anti-aircraft battery and radar equipment.
Includes plans to deceive the Russian government into thinking the British forces would be able to mobilise and reach ultimate potential strength quicker than in reality, to deter against Russian invasion.
Contains correspondence and documents concerned with deceiving Russia, regarding to the strength and capabilities of the Air Force.
Copy of correspondence between the Ministry of Defence and William Carruthers concerning FOI requests for material.