GCHQ: The Uncensored Story of Britain's Most Secret Intelligence Agency

- Blurb -

The gripping inside story of the last unknown realm of the British secret service: GCHQ (Government Communication Headquarters). GCHQ is the largest and most secretive intelligence organisation in the country. During the past 60 years this successor to the famous Bletchley Park has commanded more staff than MI5 and MI6 combined, and has produced a number of intelligence triumphs as well as some notable failures. Since the end of the Cold War it has played a pivotal role in shaping Britain's secret state. And yet we know almost nothing about it. In this groundbreaking new study, Richard Aldrich traces GCHQ's development from a wartime code-breaking operation based in the Bedfordshire countryside to one of the world's leading espionage organisations. Aldrich examines the transforming impact of the Second World War on signals intelligence and exposes the intimate connections between GCHQ and Britain's post-war military history in conflicts such as Korea and the Falklands. Particular focus is paid to GCHQ's close relationship with its American partner, the NSA (National Security Agency). Today, GCHQ is grappling with some of the most troubling and threatening issues of our times. It is a leading force in the state's security struggle against terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, and is confronting fundamental questions that will mould the very future of British society. Compelling and authoritative, this highly revealing book will fill an important gap in our knowledge of post-war British history.