From the shadows of diplomacy, espionage, and international intrigue come the British intelligence files that influenced governments, shaped global events, and helped define the modern world—once classified, now open to research.
More than 4,500 formerly secret files from The National Archives (UK), digitized for the first time, reveal how intelligence, diplomacy, and covert decision-making shaped foreign policy, public opinion, and world events. Drawn from the records of Britain’s intelligence and policymaking elite, these documents offer an unprecedented look at the forces behind the headlines from the World Wars through the early Cold War.
Behind every diplomatic crisis, political upheaval, and international conflict stood networks of intelligence gathering, analysis, and decision-making. These files reveal how governments interpreted world events, shaped policy, influenced public narratives, and responded to the defining challenges of the twentieth century.
Secret Files from World Wars to Cold War offers researchers an unparalleled view into the hidden machinery of government, diplomacy, and intelligence from the World Wars through the early Cold War.
"Perhaps the greatest and most exciting British archival innovation in decades."
Prof. Michael Goodman, Department of War Studies, King's College London
Sample covers, pages, and primary sources from this Database.
Letter suggesting policy of bribery
Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee minutes and reports (CAB 56, 158, 159, 176) Hitler’s will. German secret weapons. The partition of Palestine. Scientific intelligence on atomic weapons and biological warfare. The growing threat of Nazi Germany. Prisoners of war in the UK, and Allied prisoners in Germany. The spread of communism.
Permanent Undersecretary's Department Papers 1873–1985 (FO 1093) Covert intelligence, including papers on the imprisonment of Rudolf Hess. Planning for Operation Overlord. Thousands of signals intelligence sent to Churchill during WWII. Correspondence covering the Allied campaign against Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Confidential papers from the Private Office of the Cabinet Secretary, 1936–1952 (CAB 301) The funding of MI5 and MI6 activities. The organization and funding of the intelligence services. Signals intelligence. Code-breaking. The SOE and the “Set Europe Ablaze” campaign.
MEET THE EDITORS
IP, EZproxy, Shibboleth, OpenAthens, HAN.
Full VPAT statement available.
Indexed in Primo, Summon, EDS, WorldCat.
Quarterly updates via Customer Portal.
COUNTER 5 / SUSHI compliant.
CURATED CONTENT
Explore the comprehensive bibliography for this database.
View bibliographyFree 30-day institutional trial. No credit card required.
