| ID | 154863 |
| Title Proper | MI5 and the cold war in South-East Asia |
| Other Title Information | examining the performance of Security Intelligence Far East (SIFE), 1946–1963 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Shaw, Alexander Nicholas |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | From 1946–1963, MI5 operated a South-East Asian regional headquarters in Singapore: Security Intelligence Far East (SIFE). This article responds to growing interest in theatre-level intelligence organisation and the importance of intelligence to Britain’s Cold War and decolonisation by examining the performance of SIFE. On the organisational level, SIFE was strongest when it remained wedded to its charter functions and closely adhered to the priorities of its principal consumer: the Commissioner-General for South-East Asia. Its assessments were influential in shaping decision-makers’ understandings of key regional developments, although this did not always translate into public policy. Lastly, SIFE enjoyed success in developing lasting liaison relationships to cement British influence, but failed to utilise these to improve its intake of raw intelligence. |
| `In' analytical Note | Intelligence and National Security Vol. 32, No.6; Oct 2017: p.797-816 |
| Journal Source | Intelligence and National Security Vol: 32 No 6 |
| Key Words | South-East Asia ; MI5 ; Cold War ; Security Intelligence Far East (SIFE) ; 1946–1963 |