An exhibition at The National Archives displays 20 artefacts from MI5, including Guy Burgess’s briefcase and a historic lemon used by spy Kurt Muller. It underscores MI5’s commitment to transparency and includes educational insights into espionage history. The exhibition runs from 5 April to 28 September, free admission.
A historic exhibition featuring items from MI5’s archives opens on Saturday, showcasing 20 artefacts, including Guy Burgess’s battered briefcase. This collaboration with the National Archives illustrates the early years of the security service through various objects and documents. MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum remarked on their dedication to transparency.
Since 1997, MI5 has transferred 6,000 paper records to the National Archives, choosing carefully what to release. Notable exhibits include a 110-year-old lemon used by spy Kurt Muller, who applied lemon juice for secret messages and was executed in 1915. MI5 later executed a deception operation pretending to be Muller, while using the funds sent by Germany to purchase a new office car.
Another impressive item is a fake Nazi medal linked to wartime agent Eric Roberts, who operated under the alias Jack King. He infiltrated Nazi sympathisers in Britain and distributed the medal as a reward. Despite his success, he eventually grew dissatisfied with MI5.
The exhibition’s Cold War section features a briefcase from Burgess, marked with his initials, left at a London club during his 1951 flight to Moscow. While its contents are not displayed, Burgess’s passport will be on view. As a key member of the Cambridge Five spy ring, he was never prosecuted.
Additionally, one exhibit includes part of a mortar from the 1991 Provisional IRA attack on No 10 Downing Street. MI5 had effectively advised on window replacements after monitoring IRA weaponry, preventing serious damage. Reflecting on this, an MI5 insider stated that without the security measure, the building could have been devastated.
Sir Ken McCallum has noted that plans for this exhibition had been in discussion for several years. Mark Dunton, a historian, shared that public interest in espionage drove the initiative, leading MI5 to embrace the exhibition idea. The exhibition “MI5: Official Secrets” runs from 5 April to 28 September at The National Archives, Kew, London, with free admission.
The exhibition showcases significant MI5 artefacts, reflecting the agency’s history and commitment to transparency. Highlights include Guy Burgess’s briefcase, a historic lemon from a spying operation, and wartime agent memorabilia. The event educates the public on espionage and MI5’s unique role in British history.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk