British intelligence in Ireland, 1920-21
Subtitle: the final reports
By: edited by Peter Hart.
Contributors: Hart, Peter, 1963-
Series: Irish narratives
Publisher: Cork University Press
Published: 2002
Place of publication: Cork
Language: eng
Number of pages: 109
Subjects: Intelligence service -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century -- Sources.; Undercover operations -- Ireland -- History -- 20th century -- Sources.; Espionage, British -- Ireland -- History -- 20th century -- Sources.; Ireland -- History -- 1910-1921 -- Sources.; Ireland -- History -- War of Independence, 1919-1921 -- Sources.
Genres: Sources.
Description: "The Irish revolution of 1920-1921 ended in a military and political stalemate, resolved only through the mutual compromise incorporated in the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Historians have long accepted that the one conflict in which there was a clear winner was that of Intelligence, where British ineptitude was painfully exposed by the organisational genius of Michael Collins. This judgement is challenged by the recent release of two confidential self-assessments prepared for the army and the police in 1922." "Though documenting many setbacks and inefficiencies, the police report indicates a marked improvement in operations superintended by that 'wicked little white snake' Sir Ormonde de I'Epee Winter (1875-1962). His report, though self-serving and flawed, provides a uniquely detailed and personal account of Intelligence from the inside. The editor's introduction assesses the purpose, reliability and significance of these reports."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.