Dearlove explains MI6 agents receive lifelong anonymity guarantees to protect families across generations.
“those who've worked as espionage agents or agents of The United Kingdom are given a lifelong guarantee of anonymity beyond the grave, so that their families and their relatives' families are not, as it were, ever compromised by what might have been done by preceding generations.”
Dearlove states MI6 was founded in 1909 partly due to scaremongering from fictional spy novels.
“it's because of that scaremongering, if you look at the historical record, that MI6 was started in 1900 It had been a section of specifically naval intelligence before that, and then it was formalized into a separate organization. So its origins are tied up, strangely, with a certain amount of fiction.”
Dearlove says MI6 was formally established in 1909 because of scaremongering from fictional spy thrillers.
“And actually, it's because of that scaremongering, if you look at the historical record, that MI6 was started in 1900 It had been a section of specifically naval intelligence before that, and then it was formalized into a separate organization.”
Dearlove says his MI6 career was based on trust, contrasting sharply with Le Carré's fictional world of universal betrayal.
“Of course, if you're working in a trust environment, when a betrayal happens, it's that much more punishing, and the feelings of personal letdown can be extreme.”
Dearlove assesses Blaise as forceful and tough with the makings of an effective intelligence chief.
“I gather she's really quite a forceful and tough personality, and I think she has the makings of a head of service and will do credit to the fact that she's the first woman to lead British intelligence.”
Dearlove notes Blaise is unusually young for the MI6 chief role, suggesting exceptional ability.
“What's striking about her is that she's really quite young for the appointment, and I hope that's an indicator of the level of her ability as the strongest candidate.”
Dearlove notes MI6 was founded in 1909, giving it unique historical depth among European services.
“bearing in mind MI6 is a historical creation that goes back to 1909 and there is no other European service that has a history with that depth.”
Dearlove says his thirty-eight years at MI6 were never boring despite the discipline and secrecy.
“I can honestly say I was in MI6 for thirty eight years and despite the discipline, the restraints, the secrecy, I probably never had a boring day at work.”
Dearlove claims MI6 has the broadest international remit and unmatched experience among European intelligence services.
“The United Kingdom in MI6 has, let's say, the agency with the broadest international remit with representation in many countries and with a depth and length of experience which is unmatched by any other European service.”
Dearlove says his thirty-eight year MI6 career never had a boring day despite the discipline and secrecy.
“I was in MI6 for thirty eight years and despite the discipline, the restraints, the secrecy, I probably never had a boring day at work.”
Dearlove notes MI6's founding in 1909 gives it unmatched historical depth among European services.
“MI6 is a historical creation that goes back to 1909 and there is no other European service that has a history with that depth.”