The Secret History of the Five Eyes: The Untold Story of the International Spy Network. By Richard Kerbaj. Published by John Blake, London, 2022.
Reviewed by Darren Puttock
The world of spies and intelligence operations is a very popular genre for writers, and for good reason. Espionage represents a realm of intrigue and secrecy, and spy stories offer a glimpse into a hidden world of clandestine operations, covert missions, and high-stakes intelligence gathering.
There is an undoubtable allure fuelled by curiosity of intelligence operatives moving in the shadows, carrying out dangerous tasks in the pursuit of national security. Those employed in this field are often portrayed as highly skilled and resourceful individuals, possessing a wide range of abilities such as surveillance, cryptography, combat, and manipulation. They can navigate complex webs of deception and outsmart their adversaries, delve into the inner workings of governments, infiltrate organizations, and acquire sensitive information. The world of intelligence operates at the crossroads of geopolitics, international rivalries, and national interests. The actions of spies can shape the course of history, influence diplomatic relations, and even impact global security. Sometimes, it’s in the field and quite dashing. Often, it’s behind a keyboard and far less salacious. Always, it’s at the behest of a government charged with protecting its interests.
It was in pursuit of these interests that the Five Eyes Alliance came to be. But how do you write about the largest, most complex intelligence alliance that remained unknown until little more than a decade ago? In “The Secret History of the Five Eyes: The Untold Story of the International Spy Network,” Richard Kerbaj takes on this challenge and brings readers on a journey through its intriguing history. Kerbaj, a renowned journalist with a deep understanding of intelligence affairs, provides a comprehensive account of the Five Eyes alliance, a powerful intelligence-sharing partnership between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Kerbaj delves into the complex web of operations, defections, deceit, intelligence wins and failures, and the political dynamics that have shaped the alliance since its inception. By exploring pivotal events and key figures, the author exposes the vulnerabilities, successes, and controversies surrounding this international spy network.
Kerbaj’s book focusses on the people involved through the history of the alliance. He weaves a narrative from the lesser-known Jessie Jordan, a hairdresser in Scotland whose clumsy tradecraft exposed her as a German operative and kickstarted cooperation between MI5 and the FBI, to the infamous “Cambridge Five,” British spies including Kim Philby and Guy Burgess, who operated undetected within the highest echelons of British intelligence and left an indelible mark on the history of espionage. Kerbaj examines not only the failures of British Intelligence in detecting their actions, but also the Soviet Union’s insatiable appetite for meddling in the affairs of its rivals. The author highlights the dire consequences of inadequate counterintelligence, illustrating the inherent dangers faced by nations when they fall short in protecting their secrets.
One of the pivotal moments in the history of the Five Eyes alliance covered by Kerbaj that will be of interest to Australian readers was the recruitment and subsequent defection of Vladimir Petrov and his wife Evdokia in 1954. With meticulous detail, Kerbaj recounts ASIO’s ground-breaking intelligence coup, later known as the Petrov Affair, which proved instrumental in Australia’s entrance into the Five Eyes alliance. The author provides a gripping narrative, unveiling the daring operations that led to Petrov’s recruitment and the dramatic circumstances surrounding his defection—including a high-risk encounter at the airport with the Soviets. This pivotal event not only bolstered Australia’s intelligence capabilities but also solidified their partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom, marking a significant turning point in the history of the alliance.
The history of the alliance, though, has had its ups and downs. October 1956 marked a crucial juncture for the Five Eyes alliance, as Richard Kerbaj brings to life the story of its evolution from a bilateral partnership to a multinational intelligence network. The author explores the dynamics surrounding the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand, shedding light on the diplomatic intricacies that led to their invitation. However, Kerbaj also delves into the complexities that emerged within the alliance, specifically addressing the strain experienced when New Zealand’s status was significantly reduced. The fallout resulted from a dispute over whether US Navy ships calling at New Zealand ports carried nuclear weapons. The standard US response of ‘neither confirm nor deny’ was not accepted, so New Zealand was denied access to certain lines of reporting, although continuing to share in others. This fragility was also experienced during the Trump era, and Kerbaj details Australia’s role and the Alliance’s struggles through a difficult political period.
Richard Kerbaj also skilfully navigates the complex landscape surrounding Edward Snowden’s revelations and their impact on the Five Eyes alliance, revealing the turmoil caused within the community. The author acknowledges the contrasting portrayals of Snowden as a hero in the media and a villain and traitor within the intelligence community. Kerbaj presents a somewhat balanced examination of Snowden’s actions and their consequences, and though his opinion is evident, he invites readers to contemplate the far-reaching implications of Snowden’s whistleblowing. By delving into the aftermath of Snowden’s disclosures, Kerbaj elucidates the ongoing debates regarding privacy, surveillance, and the balance between national security and civil liberties. Snowden is not the only intelligence leak covered by Kerbaj, but some prominent figures such as Aldrich Ames, Richard Hansen and Chelsea Manning are notably absent. This is may be because they were largely leaking US secrets; however, their actions were highly prominent and damaging and, as significant figures in the history of intelligence leaks, it is curious they were omitted.
Though people feature at the centre of Kerbaj’s narrative, he also explores the imbalanced playing field of global espionage. He highlights the complete disregard for international law, human rights, and civil liberties demonstrated by countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This paints a vivid picture of the inherent challenges faced by the Five Eyes alliance in countering these nations’ espionage activities, and he appears to hint at some of the more morally ambiguous intelligence operations of the Five Eyes to counter this disadvantage. But, as Kerbaj points out, by leveraging the power of their partnerships, the Five Eyes countries strive to level the playing field. Through intelligence sharing, collaboration, and pooling of resources, they aim to mitigate the threats posed by these nations that operate with little regard for international norms.
Overall, “The Secret History of the Five Eyes” emerges as a captivating account that offers a unique journalist’s perspective on the international spy network. Richard Kerbaj’s extensive research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, providing readers with a well-researched narrative that sheds light on the people, operations, and challenges behind the alliance. By interweaving a collection of intriguing human stories, the author brings depth and nuance to the subject matter, providing valuable insights into the motivations and actions of key individuals involved in intelligence operations. It is worth noting, however, that for readers already well-versed in history and geopolitics, including members of the intelligence community, “The Secret History of the Five Eyes” will likely be somewhat familiar. While Kerbaj offers his perspective and introduces lesser-known details, the book may be more impactful for those seeking an introductory exploration of the alliance rather than those deeply familiar with its history.
Overall, “The Secret History of the Five Eyes” stands as a commendable addition to the existing literature on intelligence and international security. Kerbaj’s skilful storytelling, combined with his astute research, ensures that the book is an engaging and thought-provoking read for anyone intrigued by the shadowy world of spies and intelligence operations.
