Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Classified - Episode 19: Attack on Greenpeace: Death in the Pacific (Ep 2)

Introduction

In Episode 19 of The Rest Is Classified, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera delve into the infamous 1985 operation by French intelligence forces against the environmental organization Greenpeace. Titled "Attack on Greenpeace: Death in the Pacific (Ep 2)," this episode explores the covert mission that led to the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, the tragic death of photographer Fernando Pereira, and the subsequent political and moral ramifications.

1. The Attack: Operation Satanic

The episode begins with a detailed account of the operation carried out by France's External Security Service, known as the DGSE. Jean Luc Quister, a member of the DGSE's dive team, explains the intent behind the mission:

"Our first intention was to neutralize the boat without hurting any people or killing anybody. And it was considered a failed operation." [01:34]

The DGSE aimed to sabotage the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace's flagship vessel, to intimidate the organization and halt their protests against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. The operation involved planting two limpet mines on the ship's underside while it was moored in Auckland Harbor.

2. The Tragic Outcome

Despite the operatives' intentions, the mission resulted in unintended consequences. As Gordon Corera describes, the explosives caused significant damage, leaving the Rainbow Warrior half-submerged in the dock. Amid the chaos, photographer Fernando Pereira went missing:

"The Rainbow Warriors realized that one of their team is missing—the photographer, Fernando Pereira... Police divers arrive quickly but struggle due to the thick, oil-laden water." [03:04]

By early morning, Pereira's body was found, appearing to have drowned in his cabin. The operation, intended to be a message against Greenpeace, tragically cost an innocent life and became a major scandal.

3. The Investigation: Unraveling the Sabotage

New Zealand authorities, led by investigator Alan Galbraith, embarked on a meticulous investigation to uncover the perpetrators. The breakthrough came through vigilant local yacht club members who observed suspicious activities and facilitated the tracking of a rental camper van used by the DGSE operatives.

"By getting that license plate and then they were able to trace the license plate... the couple make the mistake of waiting, but that's crucially give the police time to arrive and arrest them." [05:57]

The police connected the dots, leading to the identification and eventual arrest of two French intelligence officers. However, another operative, Jean Luc Quister, managed to escape using a false passport, highlighting the complexities of intelligence operations.

4. Political Fallout in France

The exposure of Operation Satanic had profound implications within the French government. High-ranking officials faced pressure as investigative journalists, particularly from Le Monde, began to uncover the extent of the operation. The scandal prompted significant resignations:

"Within days of that kind of first Le Monde report, the head of the DGSE, Admiral Lacoste, is sacked and the French Defence Minister, Charles Henou, is forced to resign." [16:33]

These developments underscored the operation's impact, forcing the French state to reckon with the fallout of unauthorized covert actions.

5. Moral Responsibility: Operatives vs. Political Leaders

A central theme of the episode is the debate over who bears ultimate responsibility for the tragedy—the operatives who executed the mission or the political figures who authorized it. Gordon Corera posits:

"If the Defense Minister who runs DGSE says do this, and if you're Lacoste, the head of the DGSE... are you going to plant a bomb on this boat? You know, he didn't think it would kill anybody." [27:11]

The discussion highlights the hierarchical nature of intelligence operations, where operatives often follow orders from higher-ups, raising questions about moral and political accountability.

6. Legacy and Impact on Greenpeace

The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior not only marked a dark chapter in espionage history but also had lasting effects on Greenpeace. The organization faced tragedy but emerged resilient, using the incident to galvanize support and continue their environmental activism.

"They have to Pay, I think, $8.1 million, you know, in compensation for the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, which is then used by Greenpeace to buy a new Rainbow Warrior, Rainbow Warrior 2." [22:27]

Greenpeace's ability to rebound demonstrated the organization's strength and commitment to their cause despite facing state-sponsored aggression.

7. Lessons Learned: The Risks of Sabotage Operations

The episode concludes with reflections on the inherent dangers of sabotage missions. Gordon Corera draws parallels to contemporary sabotage activities, emphasizing the unpredictable and often tragic outcomes:

"Sabotage operations can go wrong. And we're hearing about Russian sabotage at the moment... these kind of covert operations are risky and dangerous. And I think it's pretty clear in this case Rainbow Warrior and Operation Satanic was a disaster." [33:51]

Conclusion

The Rest Is Classified Episode 19 offers a comprehensive exploration of the Rainbow Warrior attack, shedding light on the covert operations that intertwine espionage, politics, and moral dilemmas. Through in-depth discussions and firsthand accounts, David McCloskey and Gordon Corera provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of the most controversial acts of state-sponsored sabotage in recent history.

Notable Quotes

• "We were not cold blooded killers. We have done. We did what we were ordered to do." — Jean Luc Quister [01:34]

• "Operation Satanic was a disaster." — Gordon Corera [33:51]

• "Who is ultimately to blame here for this debacle?" — Discussion between Hosts [22:01]

Recommendations

For listeners interested in espionage history, moral complexities in intelligence operations, and the interplay between state actions and activist movements, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.