The National Archives in London hosts an MI5 exhibition featuring espionage artefacts, including a 110-year-old lemon used in a spy case, compact cameras, and items from the Cambridge Spies. The exhibition highlights MI5’s history, successes, and mistakes, shedding light on the agency’s evolving role and increasing transparency.
The MI5 exhibition at the National Archives in London showcases espionage history, featuring a remarkable 110-year-old lemon. This cheese played a pivotal role in the conviction of German spy Karl Muller during World War I. Alongside the lemon, items like compact cameras, microdots concealed in talcum powder tins, and Guy Burgess’ discarded briefcase are on display, highlighting MI5’s secretive past while showing its gradual openness.
MI5’s Director General, Ken McCallum, stated that the agency’s real stories are often stranger than fiction. Among displays is the lemon used for invisible writing found in Muller’s possession, which led to his execution. Interestingly, MI5 later pretended Muller was alive to solicit funds from his handlers, artfully using the money for agency needs.
The exhibition features declassified records and artefacts loaned from MI5, illustrating its evolution since its inception in 1909 with a mere two officers. It examines the agency’s World War II successes and notable failures, including the treachery of the “Cambridge Spies” like Kim Philby, who betrayed UK secrets despite years of deceit.
Changing perceptions within MI5 are evident, particularly regarding women in espionage. A 1945 report notes Maxwell Knight’s assertion that male spies were frequently more indiscreet than female counterparts. The exhibition also reveals MI5’s delayed response to fascism and its misplaced focus on minor political factions.
The past two decades show MI5’s shift to counterterrorism, with exhibits like a mortar shell used in a 1991 attack during a Cabinet meeting. MI5 began releasing records to the U.K. public in 1997, but still restricts information released. Author Ben Macintyre remarked on the significant change in transparency, indicating that years ago, MI5’s existence was a complete secret.
The exhibition, titled “MI5: Official Secrets”, opens on Saturday and will run until September 28 at the National Archives in London, and entry is free.
The MI5 exhibition at the National Archives highlights the agency’s unique history, showcasing remarkable artefacts and evolving roles from traditional espionage to contemporary counterterrorism. With key exhibits like the historical lemon and insights into MI5’s practices and past mistakes, the display not only reveals secrets but marks a significant step towards transparency in an agency that was once shrouded in secrecy. It invites visitors to explore and understand the complexities of intelligence work through the ages.
Original Source: apnews.com