MI5 Exhibition Unveils Secrets of Real-Life Spies

MI5’s “Official Secrets” exhibition at the National Archives showcases 115 years of espionage history, including real spy tools and stories. Director General Ken McCallum calls for transparency, contrasting fiction with the ordinary reality of spying. Notably, a 110-year-old lemon used by a German spy is on display, exemplifying the creativity in intelligence work.

MI5, the UK’s intelligence agency, is showcasing elements from its 115-year history in the exhibition “MI5: Official Secrets” at the National Archives in London. This display reveals tools and techniques used by real spies, moving beyond the fictional portrayals seen on television. The exhibit has been curated with the help of MI5 archivists over several years.

Ken McCallum, MI5’s Director General, emphasised the agency’s goal of transparency, stating that real espionage involves “ordinary human beings together doing extraordinary things.” He noted the contrast between the dramatic fiction of spy narratives and the actual work of intelligence officers.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is a 110-year-old lemon, a unique piece of evidence against German spy Karl Muller, executed in 1915. Muller used lemon juice for encoding secret messages during World War I, illustrating the creativity and resourcefulness of spies in historical contexts.

The “MI5: Official Secrets” exhibition at the National Archives reveals the agency’s history and methods, highlighting real-life espionage. With a focus on transparency, MI5 aims to present the truth behind spy operations, showcasing extraordinary actions taken by ordinary individuals, such as the intriguing use of an old lemon in espionage activities.

Original Source: www.scmp.com