The Rest Is Classified - Episode 8: "The Man Who Made MI6"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rest Is Classified
• Host/Author: Goalhanger
• Description: Delving into the enigmatic realms of spies and espionage, hosted by former CIA analyst turned spy novelist David McCloskey and veteran security correspondent Gordon Corera. They illuminate the shadowy world of intelligence that impacts us all.
• Episode: 8. The Man Who Made MI6
• Release Date: December 25, 2024

Introduction to Mansfield Cumming

In this festive episode, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera embark on a historical journey to explore the life and legacy of Mansfield Cumming, the first chief of MI6. Cumming, often referred to simply as "C," was a pivotal figure in shaping British intelligence during a critical period leading up to and during the First World War.

David McCloskey [03:31]: "Well, seated at a large desk with his back to the window and apparently absorbed in reading a document, was the most remarkable man I have ever met in my life... This was my first introduction to C, the name by which this man was known to all who came in official contact with him."

Early Life and Character of Mansfield Cumming

Cumming's early years paint the picture of a rule-breaking, adventurous spirit. Born in 1859, he attended Dartmouth Naval College at age 12, where his penchant for mischief and nonconformity was evident through repeated punishments for various infractions, from reading novels to disorderly behavior.

Gordon Corera [07:27]: "He's not your stereotype, I guess, of either an aristocratic spy or a kind of Oxbridge, very posh type... He was the kind of person who, within months of joining, he's getting punished."

His naval career saw him traveling extensively with the British Navy, reflecting the empire's global reach. Despite retiring in 1885 due to severe seasickness—a curious ailment for a naval officer—Cumming remained engaged with emerging technologies, becoming an avid motorist and pilot. His love for gadgets and tinkering led him to build a grandfather clock, a legacy piece still present in MI6's offices today.

Gordon Corera [11:27]: "If we put ourselves back in his shoes, he's actually sort of on the cutting edge of a lot of frontier technology in many respects."

The Creation of MI6: Responding to a Rising Threat

As the early 20th century dawned, Britain found itself facing a burgeoning German naval power, stirring fears of espionage and sabotage. Concurrently, the popularity of spy fiction, such as Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands, fueled public and governmental interest in intelligence services.

Gordon Corera [13:43]: "One of the reasons it gets created is actually fiction novelists... They write novels that gave this sense that there are lots of German spies operating in Britain."

In 1909, responding to these threats and the lack of a formal intelligence apparatus, the British government established the Secret Intelligence Service—later known as MI6—tasking Cumming with its foundation. Despite his lack of foreign language skills or recent overseas service, Cumming's charismatic and unconventional demeanor made him an ideal candidate to navigate the nascent and unstructured intelligence landscape.

Gordon Corera [18:07]: "He gets this letter in the summer of 1909, basically going, we'd like to call you back for one last mission."

Cumming’s Leadership and MI6 Operations

Cumming's approach to building MI6 was as unorthodox as his personality. With minimal initial resources, he often operated alone, strategizing the establishment of a covert network to gather intelligence on Germany. His methodology included direct engagement with agents, whom he playfully referred to as "scallywags" and "rascals," testing their mettle through unconventional means—most notably, by thrusting a penknife into his own leg to observe their reactions.

Gordon Corera [34:45]: "He is looking for honest people. It says, in the long run, it's only the honest man who can defeat the ruffian."

This rigorous and sometimes bizarre vetting process ensured that only those with the right blend of bravery, resourcefulness, and integrity joined MI6. Under Cumming's leadership, the organization began to operationalize espionage techniques, including the use of secret inks and gadgets, laying the groundwork for modern intelligence operations.

MI6 During the First World War

The outbreak of World War I thrust MI6 into a pivotal role. Cumming, alongside his son Alastair, who joined the Intelligence Corps, expanded the agency's operations across Europe. Despite personal tragedy—the accident that led to the amputation of Cumming's leg and the subsequent death of his son—MI6 under Cumming's stewardship grew more robust and institutionalized.

Gordon Corera [28:28]: "MI6 is suddenly incredibly busy building up networks to try and understand what Germany is doing, where the troops are going, what's happening."

Cumming's ability to navigate bureaucratic challenges ensured MI6 remained independent from military and Foreign Office overreach, preserving its distinct operational capacity. The agency's early successes included establishing espionage networks like La Dame Blanche in Belgium, which profiled and reported on German naval movements.

David McCloskey [39:07]: "These people are adventurers, buccaneering and a little bit naughty."

Legacy of Mansfield Cumming and MI6

Cumming's tenure lasted until 1923, during which he solidified MI6's position within British intelligence. His blend of eccentric leadership, innovative espionage tactics, and adeptness at bureaucratic maneuvering established a durable framework that has endured through subsequent decades.

Gordon Corera [42:13]: "He plays it so that he keeps the kind of patronage of the Foreign Office and remains useful to them as his kind of sponsor."

Cumming's influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the culture and operational ethos of MI6. His insistence on recruiting individuals with unique skills and perspectives fostered a diverse and resilient intelligence community, capable of adapting to evolving threats.

Notable Quotes

• David McCloskey [03:31]: "This was my first introduction to C, the name by which this man was known to all who came in official contact with him."

• Gordon Corera [07:27]: "He's the kind of person who, within months of joining, he's getting punished."

• Gordon Corera [11:27]: "He's actually sort of on the cutting edge of a lot of frontier technology in many respects."

• Gordon Corera [18:07]: "He gets this letter in the summer of 1909, basically going, we'd like to call you back for one last mission."

• Gordon Corera [34:45]: "He is looking for honest people. It says, in the long run, it's only the honest man who can defeat the ruffian."

• Gordon Corera [28:28]: "MI6 is suddenly incredibly busy building up networks to try and understand what Germany is doing, where the troops are going, what's happening."

• David McCloskey [39:07]: "These people are adventurers, buccaneering and a little bit naughty."

• Gordon Corera [42:13]: "He plays it so that he keeps the kind of patronage of the Foreign Office and remains useful to them as his kind of sponsor."

Conclusion

Episode 8 of "The Rest Is Classified" masterfully chronicles Mansfield Cumming's foundational role in establishing MI6. Through a blend of historical narrative and engaging storytelling, McCloskey and Corera illuminate the complexities and challenges of early British intelligence work. Cumming’s legacy as a pioneering and unconventional leader underscores the enduring importance of adaptability, integrity, and ingenuity in the world of espionage.

For listeners keen to delve deeper into the shadowy origins of MI6 and the enigmatic figure of its first chief, this episode offers a compelling and richly detailed exploration.