Summary of "The Spy Who Saved MI5 (Encore) | The Dominoes Fall | 4"

Introduction

The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, delves into the clandestine operations of intelligence services worldwide. In the gripping fourth episode, "The Dominoes Fall," Wondery takes listeners through a pivotal moment in Cold War espionage—Operation Foot—and its profound impact on MI5 and Soviet intelligence.

Operation Foot: The Bold Expulsion

September 24, 1971, London

The episode opens with John Leahy, the Foreign Office’s head of news, orchestrating a dramatic press briefing at the Foreign Office in London. Leahy announces Operation Foot, a bold move to expel 105 Soviet spies from Britain. As Leahy declares, “[...] Operation Foot is underway. 105 Soviet spies are getting booted out of Britain” (00:00). This revelation shocks the journalists present, igniting a frenzy of activity as media outlets scramble to break the news.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Expulsions: 90 Soviet officials on British soil are ordered to leave within two weeks, with an additional 15 traveling abroad being barred from re-entry.
• Espionage Activities: The expelled spies were involved in sabotage and intelligence operations targeting both civilian and military infrastructure.
• Anticipated Soviet Retaliation: Leahy hints at inevitable Soviet reprisals, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the operation.

MI5’s Triumph and Anticipating Retaliation

Following the successful expulsion, the scene shifts to MI5 headquarters, where Director General Martin Furnival Jones addresses the team:

“[...] We've succeeded in turning a major Russian asset, and that has given us grounds to expel dozens of KGB officers.” (03:25)

Key Highlights:

• Celebration of Victory: MI5 celebrates what is hailed as the service's greatest achievement since World War II.
• Global Impact: The operation garners international acclaim, with allies like France, Germany, and the USA expressing support and considering similar actions.
• Caution Ahead: While celebrating, Furnival Jones warns, “No good expulsion goes unpunished.” (03:25), preparing the team for potential Soviet backlash.

Diplomatic Tensions: Britain vs. Soviet Union

The episode captures a tense diplomatic exchange between British Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas Hume and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko at the United Nations in New York:

Sir Alec asserts, “We have dealt a profound blow to Soviet intelligence operations in our country and upheld the security of Her Majesty's realm.” (03:25)

Gromyko retorts, “This is not the first time... You have entirely fabricated... We have no spies in your little country.” (03:25)

Key Highlights:

• Definitive Stance: Sir Alec firmly defends Britain's actions, while Gromyko vehemently denies Soviet espionage activities.
• Veiled Threats: Both sides exchange veiled threats, with Sir Alec cautioning about the repercussions of Soviet retaliation.
• Escalation Warning: The conversation underscores the fragile state of Anglo-Soviet relations, setting the stage for potential conflicts.

The Defection of Oleg Lelen and Irina Tepliakova

Central to the episode is the defection of Soviet spies Oleg Lelen and Irina Tepliakova to Britain. In a secluded rural hideout, MI5 advisor Tony Brooks discusses the necessity of altering their identities to ensure their safety:

“We can and will support you. We’ll provide shoes that make you taller. Training on how to move and act differently.” (04:14)

Key Highlights:

• Protective Measures: MI5 initiates plastic surgery and extensive training to erase their past identities, ensuring they remain undetectable.
• Emotional Toll: The defection strains personal relationships, as seen in the emotional dialogues between Lelen and Tepliakova.

Soviet Response and Internal Turmoil

In Moscow, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev confronts KGB chief Yuri Andropov regarding the fallout from Operation Foot:

“I care about this traitor Lelen. He knows all about Department V and his plans.” (03:25)

Key Highlights:

• KGB Disarray: Brezhnev demands decisive action against Department V, leading to internal power struggles within the Soviet intelligence community.
• Repercussions: The defection of Lelen exposes vulnerabilities, forcing the USSR to reconsider its espionage strategies and leadership dynamics.

Public Trials and Identity Alterations

Back in London, Oleg Lelen faces a public trial for a minor transgression—drink driving—but his absence is orchestrated by MI5’s protective measures:

“The government plans to dismiss the charges.” (04:14)

Key Highlights:

• Secrecy and Protection: Lelen’s court non-appearance underscores the lengths MI5 goes to safeguard defectors.
• Implementation of New Identity: Detailed scenes depict the plastic surgery process, transforming Lelen’s appearance to guarantee his invisibility.

Soviet Retaliation: Minimal but Meaningful

The Soviets order the expulsion of five British diplomats from the USSR in response to Operation Foot, a measured retaliation:

“They must leave the USSR within 14 days.” (04:14)

Key Highlights:

• Controlled Response: The slight retaliation showcases the Soviets’ strategic restraint, avoiding massive confrontations.
• Diplomatic Maneuvering: Sir John Killick, the British Ambassador to the Soviet Union, handles the situation with calm, ensuring minimal damage to bilateral relations.

Aftermath and Long-Term Impact

Five months post-Operation Foot, the episode highlights the successful integration of Oleg Lelen into British society:

“He hesitates for a moment and then nods at the police sergeant in the witness box. Very well.” (04:14)

Key Highlights:

• MI5’s Success: Operation Foot significantly weakens Soviet espionage in Britain, leading to the disbanding of KGB Department V in 1972.
• Sealed Secrets: The detailed notes Lelen provided remain classified, preserving the integrity of the operation’s intelligence gains.
• Legacy of Peace and Secrecy: Lelen and Tepliakova’s new lives symbolize the personal sacrifices made for national security, with their stories remaining largely untold to the public.

Conclusion

The Spy Who Saved MI5 masterfully intertwines high-stakes espionage with personal narratives, offering listeners an immersive glimpse into the covert battles of the Cold War. "The Dominoes Fall" not only celebrates a significant triumph for MI5 but also underscores the enduring tensions and intricate maneuvers between global superpowers.

Notable Quotes:

• John Leahy: “Operation Foot is underway. 105 Soviet spies are getting booted out of Britain.” (00:00)
• Martin Furnival Jones: “No good expulsion goes unpunished.” (03:25)
• Sir Alec Douglas Hume: “We have dealt a profound blow to Soviet intelligence operations in our country and upheld the security of Her Majesty's realm.” (03:25)

Credits

The episode is produced by Vespucci with comprehensive research and writing contributions from Simon Parkin, Marina Watson, Louise Byrne, and others. Executive production is led by Tristan Donovan for Yellow Ant and Rachel Sibley for Wondery.

Looking Ahead

In the next episode, author and journalist Tristan Donovan reveals how Oleg Lelen’s cooperation transformed MI5’s operations, further unraveling the intricate web of Cold War espionage.

This detailed summary is intended for those who have yet to listen to the episode, providing an insightful overview of the key events, characters, and outcomes explored in "The Spy Who Saved MI5 (Encore) | The Dominoes Fall | 4."