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BOOK REVIEW

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Name of the Book Author Nature of the Book Suitable for

'I Spied Spies' Major A. W. Sansom Autobiography. All field ops, spec engaged in security and CI duties.

General Info about the Author 5. Credentials/Qualifications a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. j. Date of birth. 22 Dec 1909. Place of birth. Cairo, Egypt. Nationality at birth. British. Nationality of father. British (born at Baghdad) Profession of father. Manager in Gresham Life Insurance, Egypt. Languages. Arabic, French, Greek & Italian Occupation on Joining Military/ Intelligence Service. Postal censor Year of joining Military/ Intelligence Service. 1940. Mil/ Intelligence Qualification. Three weeks course in intelligence in general and field Security in particular. 6. Achievements. The author got posted in FS Sec, on outbreak of World

War-II, on commission. Throughout his stay in Egypt, he spent max of his time in Field Security duties and unearthed numerous spy-nets in the war theatre and Cairo. Being native and owing to his mastery in a no of languages with an immaculate dialect, he could pen into various spheres of the most complex society of that time Egypt (Cairo in particular). He excellently managed security of British Armed RESTD

RESTD Forces and other establishments in Cairo, besides effectively countering the hostile intelligence efforts. The most dominating amongst his diverse qualities were his initiative and decision power, in addition to his adaptability and resourcefulness. 7. The Book Parts and Chapters in Outline. There is only one vol

with following chapters:a. b. c. d. My First Spy. The Gun-runners. Double Agent. Information, Please. ] ] ] ] In the Desert.

e. f. g. h. j. k. l. m. n. o.

The Case of Absconding General. Egypt was Neutral. The Flap. The Eppler Story - (1) The Eppler Story - (2) The Mutinous Greeks. Care and Protection. The Lord Moyne Murder. Walking with Kings. Mob Violence.

] ] ]

The Chase. ] The Raid. ] ] ] ] ] ] As OC FS Sec Cairo

p. q. r. s. t. u.

Bowler Hat. Unholy War. Enemies Within. Black Saturday. Revolution. Attempted Murder.

] ] ] ] ] ] As Diplomat

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RESTD Comments 8. General. The book, under discussion, encompasses variety of situations

and subjects that came across the author, during his service in Field Security Section and lastly as a diplomat (cover). The author had to tackle with a variety of hard predicaments from security of VVIPs (including Kings and Presidents), Leading political/ military/ diplomat figures and GHQ to unearthing numerous spy nets inside the Cairo - a city infested with heterogeneous nationals, influenced by different faiths and beliefs. The most gleaming part of his achievements was being extremely resourceful, with contacts available in almost all spheres of life (Egyptian Army, Club Houses, Police and multinationals based at Cairo) and his ability to coalesce with varying sits, inconspicuously. As far as describing these events in the book, the author has used his best ability to keep the reader un-nictitate, until the very end. 9. Comments on Parts and Chapters in Broad Line a. Theme of Parts and Chapters (1) In the first four chapters of the book, the writer has described his experiences in the desert, while serving in FS Sec in the desert in the face of war (World War-II). He experienced as to how to deal with informants, agents and above all to pen the spy nets. His autochthon proved to be most helpful to adapt him to the environments/sits he was faced with.

(2)

In next ten chapters, when he was based at Cairo, looking after Security and CI, the author has described his experiences in various events. He besides looking after the security of Defence Establishments/ Personnel, had to take care of the security of visiting dignitaries, the British Politicians/ Diplomats based in Cairo, unearthing the anti-British Regime elms and countering the spy efforts by hostile agencies. RESTD

RESTD (3) In last six chapters of the book, the author has described his experiences, when he was made a member of Diplomatic Community, though, yet looking after the security aspect of British High Commission, in Cairo. This was the time when the revolution of Egypt, that was cooking up since the breakout of 2nd World War, got actualized and resulted into withdrawal of British remains in Egypt. b. Issues Discussed in Each Part. In first four parts of the book, the writer has described his experiences related to the battle field (in desert), in relation to the spy business. In next ten chapters he has discussed his scarlet past inside Cairo City, where he was faced with diverse issues related to Security, CI, Espionage and to some extent the politics/policies of opposing sides. In last six chapters, the author has described his experiences as a diplomat, who still was looking after the security and Counter-espionage. During this pd, he not only effectively took care of security of the British establishments, the staff and the remnants of British/American/Europeans, but also effectively catered counter espionage, within. c. Analysis of Each Part (1) First Four Chapters. The author, though being very callow

in the complex field of intelligence displayed his great ability to effectively tackle various sits and deal with the crooks of the field in a befitting way, during his initial tenure in the desert. This part can help our operators engaged in BI. (2) Next Ten Chapters. This part of the book is hub of the author's hold out against intelligence field, especially in relation to security and CI. This can serve as an excellent guideline for RESTD

RESTD novices as well as seasoned ones, in the field of int. It also teaches the imp of decisions in relation to time and space to gain the initiative and pre-empt. (3) Last Six Chapters. The last six chapters of the book elucidate the author's experience as diplomat but still employing his past knack of intelligence field. This emphasizes the imp of intelligence to face the challenges encountered by the diplomatic community. 9. Peripheral Aspects of the Book (i.e. Maps, Diagrams and Illustrations).

Hard bond with good quality paper and clear typing in Times Roman font. It has 21 photographs and no map. Conclusion 10. The basic idea of the author in the subject book is to share his experiences in the field of intelligence with particular ref to Security and CI. He has mainly emphasized the imp of well placed contacts besides requirement of remaining well info of all the forthcoming eventualities. Overall the book is an excellent effort that can serve as wonderful guideline for intelligence ops and can be made part of their syllabi. The book is, therefore, recommended to be read by all tentacles engaged in Security and CI.

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The magnificence of the book is that though it dilates upon very professional subjects, yet being in a narrative form, it keeps the reader's interest intact throughout.

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