Summary
Overview
This episode chronicles Kim Philby's remarkable ascent within MI6 during World War II, beginning with his recruitment into the Secret Intelligence Service in 1940 and culminating in his 1944 appointment as head of Section 9—the department responsible for operations against the Soviet Union. Despite MI6's institutional weaknesses and a chaotic vetting process, Philby rises rapidly through the ranks while simultaneously passing classified information to his Soviet handlers. The episode explores the profound irony of a Soviet agent being placed in charge of anti-Soviet operations, the paranoia within Moscow Center about whether Philby might be a British double agent, and Philby's skill at bureaucratic maneuvering and personal charm that enabled his ascent.
MI6 at the Start of World War II: An Institution in Crisis
As World War II begins, MI6 is in a severely weakened state, operating from dingy buildings at Broadway and reeling from catastrophic failures like the Venlo incident, where officers were lured into a Nazi trap and revealed extensive intelligence about MI6 operations across Europe. The service is led by Stewart Menzies (pronounced 'Mingus'), a classic establishment figure more often found at his club White's than managing operations. The organization is staffed largely by posh, colonial types who are amateurish and underpowered compared to their adversaries, setting the stage for Philby's rise as part of a new, seemingly more competent generation.
- MI6 suffered the Venlo disaster where officers were captured and revealed intelligence about operations across Europe
- The service was led by Stewart Menzies, an establishment figure who hadn't attended university and spent considerable time at his club
- MI6 was staffed by amateurish, posh types who were underpowered against Nazi intelligence
- Bletchley Park code-breaking operations reported to Menzies, helping maintain MI6's reputation despite operational failures
" I'd never knowingly employ a university man because you don't want anyone who's too smart. "
" Ideally the chief of the Secret Service should be an absolutely smashing girl with no other qualifications for the job. After all, one has to see the chief every now and then. And it's usually a waste of time. That way, at least you'd enjoy the occasion. "
Philby Joins Section 5: Counter-Espionage Against Germany
In summer 1941, Philby joins MI6's Section 5, the counter-espionage division responsible for tracking German intelligence operations. He's assigned to the Iberian section covering Spain and Portugal—strategic neutral territories that serve as hotbeds for espionage from all sides. Philby's experience covering the Spanish Civil War makes him a natural fit, and he brings his Cambridge friend Tim Milne into the section. Working alongside colorful characters like novelist Graham Greene, Philby serves under Felix Cowgill, a difficult former Indian policeman who refuses to share information with other agencies—a trait that contrasts sharply with Philby's collaborative approach and charm.
- Philby joins Section 5's Iberian desk in summer 1941, leveraging his Spanish Civil War experience
- The section includes Tim Milne analyzing Bletchley Park intercepts and novelist Graham Greene on the Portuguese desk
- Felix Cowgill, Philby's boss, is difficult and refuses to share information with MI5 and other agencies
- Philby excels at making friends across MI6, MI5, and the Foreign Office, establishing himself as a collaborative bureaucratic operator
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