'One of our Most Valuable Sources of Intelligence': British Intelligence and the Prisoner of War System in 1944. Issue 4 (6th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Falko
• Is Part Of: Intelligence and national security. Volume 31:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 556
• Page End: 578
• Publication Date: 2016-06-06
• Subjects: Espionage -- Periodicals; Intelligence service -- Periodicals; National security -- Periodicals; 327.12
• DOI: 10.1080/02684527.2015.1062319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-4527

Abstract

Abstract : During the Second World War, secret information derived from enemy prisoners of war (POWs) was a valuable asset to British intelligence. Until 1944, the POW system had expanded from a small interrogation camp in the Tower of London to a multi-step structure with the so-called Combined Services Detailed Interrogation Centre, United Kingdom (CSDIC(UK)) at its top. The methods employed to collect reliable information included microphones, stool pigeons and different interrogation techniques. The results were read by all services and several ministries which provided a unique insight into German capabilities, intentions and thoughts.