Arthur-Owens-page-2

Reason of this move or change was that the foregoing webpage exceeded it apparent limit;

though he was assisting Snow (Arthur Owens) as he knew he was having a lot of trouble with his wife.

Lily (Bade) said that she was introduced to Snow (Arthur Owens) about Easter last, and became friendly with him. She has been 'intimate' with him since, and they had lived together. Snow (Arthur Owens) invited her to go for a holiday with him to Germany, and as stated by Mr X, the party (Snow; Mr. X and Lily Bade) arrived at Hamburg on 11th August, 1939.

After Mr. X had returned to England, Snow (Arthur Owens) and Lily (Bade) went on to Berlin, and left Germany for home on 23rd August, 1939. The girl states she saw nothing suspicious whilst in Germany, but met several people there who were known as 'Doctors'. Her action was asking Mr. X to 'hide a parcel' was no doubt at request of Snow (Arthur Owens), who must have made it before he was detained.

The transmitting and receiving sets together with other property found at (number deleted) Parklands were taken possession of by Mr. Robertson (TAR) of M.I.5.

On 5th September 1939, I saw Snow (Arthur Owens) at Wandsworth Prison with Mr. Robertson (TAR) and Lt.Col. J.S. Yule of M.I.1 Snow (Arthur Owens) was examined as to his proficiency (expertise) in Morse code. He said during the interview that the 'doctor' (Major Ritter) he saw in Hamburg was Dr. Rantzau (an alias of Major Ritter), that the other man was named Theiler (real name Trautmann, who was the Leiter of 'all wireless matters' at Ast Hamburg, Ast function Ii) (file KV 2/2751). The latter individual, so Snow says, is in charge of the radio section of the German Secret Service (incorrect as Trautmann belonged to Hamburg only; the 'head of all 'Ii' was Major Rasehorn in Berlin), and has promised to send him another transmitting set and a receiving set which will be addressed to him c/o Mr. X Parklands. These will only be sent providing Snow (Arthur Owens) agrees to have them. The latter added that 4 a.m. would be the time the Germans would transmit to him on a wavelength of 60 metres (AOB: most unlikely, what might have been meant is somewhere in the 60 m band or range) (say ca. 5 MHz), but he can get in touch with him any hour of the day or night. Snow (Arthur Owens) admitted that Rantzau (Major Ritter) gave him £40 for his expenses; some of the money he has given one line completely deleted

Today Mr. X called at the office (likely meant Scotland Yard as Special Branch was a section of it) and said that before he left Hamburg Snow (Arthur Owens) asked him to collect a letter from Southampton → (page 51)

addressed to him at (number made invisible) Stratford Road, Plaistow (the address of Owens' married sister), in the name of Wilson. Mr. X was to open the letter, extra £11 and give the money to Lily's mother.

Caller went twice to collect the letter, but was told it had not been delivered.

Attached is receipt for the body (sinister expression of Arthur Owens) of rest made invisible

Statement: I have been cautioned by Inspector Holmes that I need not say anything, but that anything I do say will be taken down and may be used in evidence.

I am a clerk by profession. I was born on data made invisible at Glasgow. I have been employed since 16-7-1939. Previous to that I was employed by Gambrell Radio Communication Ltd., Broomhill Road, S.W.18, from May 1937 as a costing clerk. I first met in a public house in Victoria Street about 3½ ago, when I was casually introduced to him by a mutual friend named. I only met Snow (Arthur Owens) occasionally after that until I left my situation. Shortly afterwards we met again and became friendly, I told him I was only a casual work, and he suggested that I should take up more agencies to augment my income. I met him again about the end of July when he said "I am going to Germany on business in connection with my battery business". He then invited me to accompany him and intimated that he would introduce me to some of his business friends in Hamburg, with a view to representing them in this country. At this meeting he did not mention any firms or individuals, I told him I could not afford the expense. He asked me whether I had a passport, and I informed him that I had lost it in 1928 in Nigeria. As I thought some business might accrue from this propositioning and the fact that he said my total expenses for the trip would not amount to more than £6 I agreed to go. I duly applied for a passport and British passport No. (number made invisible) was issued to me on date made invisible August 1939. On the same day I met Snow (Arthur Owens) by arrangement at the Victoria Coach Station about 1-45 p.m. Snow (Arthur Owens) who was accompanied by a woman named (Lily Bade Owens' girlfriend), whom I understood was his wife, but who knew no to be a single woman named Lily and myself left by coach for Dover. We all left by the Ostend boat living 1 a.m. → (page 53)

the following day. We entertained at Ostend, changing in Brussels for Hamburg where we arrived about 10 p.m. on 11.8.39. We all stayed at the (Hotel) 'Berliner Hof', opposite the (Hbf.) station. The following morning introduced me to a Mr. Kurtz, and a Mr. Schneider. Kurtz spoke English fluently with a broad American accent, Schneider knew very little English. These men about whom I then knew nothing called at the hotel, but no business was discussed in my presence. Lily was handed a 20 Reichsmark (RM) note by Snow (Arthur Owens) who had received it from Schneider telling her that she should go for a walk with me, which we did. Later during the afternoon a car was sent to the hotel by Kurtz to take Snow (Arthur Owens) and myself to see a man called Leitz, but the latter was not available. I do know the address we were taken to. About 3-30 p.m. same day Snow (Arthur Owens), Lily (Bade) and myself (Mr. X from Parkisde) were taken by car to some tea garden. where we again met Kurtz. A short time later another man arrived who was introduced to me as Herr Doctor (Major Ritter, Leiter I L, Ast Hamburg). This man appeared to be on intimate terms with Snow (Arthur Owens). On parting, the Doctor arranged to meet Snow (Arthur Owens) and myself (Mr. X from Parkside Parklands?) at his office (address unknown) (AOB, I would not wonder when it was about Rothenbaumchaussee 83) on Sunday morning, 13-8-39, when it was suggested that some business be put in my way through another party. I went with Snow (Arthur Owens) to this office as arranged. The building was situated in a narrow one way street (the Rothenbaumchaussee is a broad lane), and was of reddish stone, and the Doctor's (Major Ritter's) office was on the 4th floor. He took my personal details and said that through his influence he would get me an agency intimating that he would speak to Leitz. nothing further of interest happened that day. On the morning Snow (Arthur Owens) and myself returned to the Doctor's office. On our arrival, the Doctor phoned Leitz's office, and he was informed that Leitz would see us at 3 p.m. that day. At 3 p.m. accompanied by the Doctor (Major Ritter) and Kurtz, I went to Leitz's office, location unknown. After introducing me the Doctor left, and I repeated to Leitz my personal details. Leitz on learning that I was returning to London that night arranged that I should meet him at the Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street on Thursday, 17-8-39, and intimated that he would give me some business. I returned to London that night travelling via Flushing (Vlissingen) & Harwich, leaving Snow (Arthur Owens) and the girl behind (in Hamburg?). At 3-50 p.m. on the 17th I called at the Great → (page 54)

Eastern, where I was told that he had returned to Germany by air. (AOB, quite many Germans had been in some way informed that war was eminent and that one had to leave England directly)

Snow (Arthur Owens) and the girl returned on the 24th August and called at my address unexpectedly, and have been stayed with me ever since (just over one week; whether we should consider this since?)

Today, Snow (Arthur Owens) and the girl (Lily Bade) left about 3-15 p.m. and about 5 p.m. Lily (Bade) came back alone, and said "The men have taken ~~Snow~~ Arthur Owens (Snow was the cover-name given to Owens on behalf of M.I.5. which Mr. X hardly could have had knowledge of) away at "Waterloo". She then told me that Owens (Snow) had requested her to ask me to take a parcel from the bathroom, which I now understand is a transmitting set and belongs to Owens (Snow) I have seen him tinkering with it in the bathroom. Although I was suspicious at the time, I buried it in the corner of the garden. I now realize that my action was indiscreet, but I thought I was doing him a good turn owing to his domestic troubles with his wife. His (Mr. X's) has been read over to me and is true.

Who saith?: I have been cautioned by Inspector (Holmes?) that there is no occasion for me to say anything, but whatever I do say will be taken down and may be used in evidence.

I was born on (date made invisible) at West Ham. My parents are (names made invisible) and the maiden name of my mother was (name made invisible) a British born woman of German parentage. I am a dressmaker, and until 3.8.39, I was employed by Mrs. brownstones, of 5 Berners Street, W. I was introduced to Snow (Arthur Owens) as Uncle (name made invisible), by (name made invisible) a friend of mine who lives at (word made invisible) Westham, about Easter of this year. We became friendly, and about the 3rd August he asked me to go for a holiday with him to Germany, and I agreed. He said I would need a passport and gave me the money to pay for it. I obtained a British passport No. number made invisible on invisible 1939. The same day I met him in Trafalgar Square about 1 p.m. Later, we went to Victoria Coach Station, and there met Mr. X (Parklands?, Surbiton) and together we left on the 3.30 p.m. coach for Dover. We all left on the 1 a.m. boat for Ostend (Ostende), and travelled by train to Hamburg via Brussels. We stayed at Berliner Hof (Hotel opposite the Hbf. of Hamburg) Snow (Arthur Owens) and I as husband and wife. I was introduced to several persons by who were known as Doctors (the important Dr Rantzau alias of Major Ritter was Leiter I L, Ast Hamburg). I (Lily Bade) only met them occasionally. Nothing happened in Hamburg which aroused my suspicions. Mr. X left us on Monday, 14th, 14th August, and on Friday, 18th August, Snow (Arthur Owens) and I (Lily) went to Berlin. We stayed at Pension Gloubus (Globus?). The same day we the Doctor (Major Ritter?), who was introduced to me in a Beer Garden (Biergarten) in Hamburg, and later another man whom we had met in a restaurant in Hamburg. Snow (Arthur Owens) was with me all the time in Berlin and nothing happened of particular interest. On Sunday, 20th August, Snow (Arthur Owens) and the I went Timmerdofer, a seaside resort and stayed three nights.

On Wednesday, 23rd August we returned to Hamburg, and immediately left for London via Flushing (Vlissingen) and Harwich. On arrival we came straight to Mr. X, where we have stayed ever since. At about 3.15 p.m. today, Snow (Arthur Owens) and I went to Waterloo (Station), where he said he had to meet a friend. About 4 p.m. I saw him talking to three men and later he left with them. I returned to Parklands. I told Mr. X what had occurred to Snow (Arthur Owens), and that he had asked me to get rid of the stuff. Mr. X said he would help Snow (Arthur Owens) for my sake. I then went out for a short walk. During the the time I have been associating with (name made invisible) I had no idea that he was engaged other than with business connected with the Expanded Metal Company Limited. This statement has been read over to me and is true.

AOB: for me quite unexpected, we encounter next reference; albeit, as often in the Owens file series, the tea isn't tasted as it looks like!

to be a person of hostile association and that by reason thereof it is necessary to exercise control over her:

Now, therefore, I, in pursuance of the power conferred on my by Regulation 18B, of the Defence (General) Regulation 1939, hereby make the following Order:-

(AOB: albeit a beautiful signature I am unable to determine the name accurately)

KV 2/446-4, page 4 Ultimately a ridicule document, because the meaning was already lifted a few days afterwards. In my perception, the formalists versus the realistics

Nationality British Subject, by birth and parentage (ignored is his Canadian Passport, with might not fit into their current object)

This individual was originally employed by our Foreign Intelligence Section. It was subsequently discovered that he had betrayed his trust and gone over to the German Espionage Service operating against this country and that he was in fact double-crossing. (AOB: this, considering the facts, being, de facto - a 'construction' and a pure lie!) On his own admission he is still in the pay of the Germans and makes frequent journeys to Germany (They, M.I.5. were always kept in the picture!), no doubt taking with him any information he can get hold of (cheating is a part of the Service's metier!).

As he is a most untrustworthy individual, his activities should be curtailed immediately on the outbreak of hostilities.

With further reference to Snow (Arthur Owens) subject of Chief Constable's confidential memo' to Ports (word made invisible)

Since the Case D.O.R. Adams (KV 2/290..KV 2/293) - in custody for offence against The Official Secrets Act, 1911 - was reported in the Press, Snow (Arthur Owens) has repeatedly telephoned in order to impart what he described as very useful information. One of these calls was at 12.50 p.m. on 15th July, 1939. (AOB: may this imply that Mr. Adams himself was already suspected and on a solid watch as his telephone had been tapped?) I (who was he?) met him at the 'Crown' Inn, Morden at 2 p.m. same day, when he asked me to put in touch with Col. Hinchley-Cooke, of M.I.5. (during these kind of occasions he acted via 'the facilities of Special Branch'). I told him - acting on previous instructions from M.I.5. - that I would pass on my information he cared to give. He (Owens?) said he saw Adams in Hamburg last December (1938) in company with a certain Captain (Hptm.) in the German Secret Service. Snow (Arthur Owens) also said that there was a leakage from Woolwich Arsenal regarding the 4.5 anti-aircraft gun, and also a leakage from M.I.5. headquarters.

By arrangement I again saw Snow (Arthur Owens) at 8. p.m. on 2nd August, 1939, at above public house, and at Westminster at 10.45 a.m. on 10th August, 1939. He again asked if he could see Col. Hinchley-Cooke personally. I told him this was not possible.

it appears that Snow is trying to ingratiate himself with the Authorities for reason best know to himself (Mr. Adams). The information he imparted was very vague.

Mrs. Jessie Owens, who was accompanied by her son Robert Owens* of (house number made invisible) Grosvenor Court, Morden, called at this office today.

She stated she wished to give information concerning her husband, Snow (Arthur Owens) (AOB: a typical act of revenge as Arthur her husband had just left her for the 27 year old Lily Bade) (370/U.N.C./765 and 370/U.N.C./629), who, she alleges, is engaged in espionage for the German Intelligence Service. She has had it in mind to inform police of his activities for some considerable time but refrained (hold back) from doing so on account of her children. (eine zerrüttete Ehe) They have now quarrelled and he has left her. This, however, is not the cause of her decision to give information. Snow (Arthur Owens) has tried to persuade his son, (name made invisible), her brother's step-daughter and another friend to join him in his despicable business and has threatened to shoot Mrs. Jessie Owens and ruin her family should she give information about him.

Snow (Arthur Owens) was born in Wales and migrated to Canada some years ago (> 15 years ago) where, after 8 years residence, he automatically became a Canadian subject and is now in possession of a Canadian passport which he renewed a few month ago. He often uses the name Wilson as an alias.

He came from Canada in 1933 and is now an inventor. Some years agom about 1935m be became a British Intelligence agent and whilst so engaged got to know several German secret service agents.

* Thanks to [19, pages x .. xiii] Nigel West and Madoc Roberts' book on SNOW, we are able to get some more inside information

millionaire named Hamilton who formed a company called Owens Equipment Co., for the purpose of making car batteries etc. and it is in this business that Snow (Arthur Owens) is supposed to be engaged but he is merely using it as a cloak for his other activities. Through the said Mr. Hamilton and his own activities for the British intelligence services Snow (Arthur Owens) met a man like Peiper (couldn't it have been Pieper of Ast Hamburg?) (KV 2/2140?), or similar name, about 3 years ago. ~~Peiper~~ (Pieper?) (R18) (R18return) is believed an American Jew (then Pieper isn't our man) in the employ of the German secret service/ They appear to have changed notes and Snow (Arthur Owens) was persuaded to join the German secret service whilst still apparently working for the British secret service. (AOB, in my perception Mrs Owens is mixing up matters as she does not really knew the actual facts) (but it might be that such information Special Branch was looking for)

This company formed a subsidiary company in Germany (nonsense!) which she states has never actually done any business but is used as an excuse for Snow's (Arthur Owens') frequent visits to Hamburg, Berlin etc. (AOB, revenge might here - blinding somebody's mind). The correspondence Snow (Arthur Owens) receives, presumably from the company because its letter paper is used, is alleged to be in code. (AOB: we have already found evidence that all mails addressed to Owen's address also its outgoing mail, was censored by GPO on behalf of M.I.5 in accordance with the Home Office. See for outgoing from England P17 P17return ; for incoming mails from Germany: (Q17) and (Q17return) Her husband is paid for his services in English money which is supposed to accrue to him for his profits of his company.

Her husband (Arthur Owens) took her and the family to Ostend a little over a year ago for a holiday and whilst there he received a letter calling him to Hamburg. he and his wife went, leaving the children in the hotel manager's care. In Hamburg they met a German whom they addressed as the Dr. (Rantzau real name Major Ritter) to whom Snow (Arthur Owens) had to report. He is alleged to be one of the chiefs of the German secret service (Major Ritter was Leiter I L Intelligence Luft (GAF), of Ast Hamburg, but in the Section I, there existed equally I H Heer = Army and I M Marine = Navy) (though Major Ritter possessed quite a reputation which might reflect in the regards they show against him) and efforts - which appear to have been somewhat feeble (weak) and amateurish - were made to inveigle (charm) Mrs. Snow (Mrs. Owens) into becoming an agent.

Whilst the Snows were in Germany ~~Peiper~~ Pieper visited their hotel in Ostend and endeavoured to "blackmail" the children. The manager, however, intervened and, on the Snows (Owens') return shortly afterwards, Mrs. Snow threatened to have ~~Peiper~~ Pieper arrested. He disappeared then and she has not him since.

Snow (Arthur Owens) is now trying to inveigle (persuade) Mrs. Owens' brothers step-daughter, (name made invisible). (AOB, the way she expresses against her husband, in my perception, I can understand Arthur in changing to someone else's) → (page 11)

to go to Germany with him to join the German secret service. He has made her extravagant promises of reward. The girl has been spoken to by Mrs. Jessie Owens and she prepared to give police a statement of all she knows.

About three days ago it was learned that Snow (Arthur Owens) had given his address as to which a letter containing money could be sent to him from Germany. A messenger called with a note authorising (words made invisible) the girl's mother, to hand over. The said letter, addressed to Mr. Wilson (Owens' alias) has not arrived, but the messenger called again yesterday, 17/8/39.

Snow (Arthur Owens) is else making a similar attempt to entice a female friend of (rest of sentence made invisible) they may be there as Snow (Owens) ? at present supposed to be on holidays at Golden Sands Holiday Camp Yarmouth. Her mother, it is believed, is German by birth.

He has also made attempts to entice his son, Robert to go to Germany ?? ?? becoming a draughtsman but he has been known to say that ?? he intend to put him into the German secret service. ??

Snow (Arthur Owens) had a wireless transmitting set (all best known and coped by the Services!) sent to him from the German Secret Service (M.I.5. had been instantly informed by Arthur Owens) about February this year which he disposed of on or about 29/7/39 (rubbish). A description of this set was given. It can be, and is believed to have been, used by Snow (Arthur Owens) from a car taken into the country. Its signals cannot be picked up under a minimum radius of 60 miles. (known as ground-wave)

A code is used in connection with this set which is based on the word "Congratulations" (S18) (S18return), each letter bearing a number.

Snow (Arthur Owens) has a very good knowledge of many British aerodromes and has passed information concerning them to Germany. He recently had in his possession some 1937 R.A.F. code books which Mrs Jessie Owens destroyed so that they should not fall into German hands.

She alleges that Snow (Arthur Owens) had, and may still have, in his possession some new R.A.F. code books which were quite recently reported to have been stolen. She fears that he intends to take them to Germany. Snow (Arthur Owens) possesses an Air Force discharge certificate.

It is alleged he is very clever and carries code messages covered in thin foil either in his mouth or in the petrol cavity at the end of a cigarette lighter. He is the chief of a number of agents who operate under his orders.

Enquiries have already been made by police (AOB, according Jessie Owens?) and Snow (Arthur Owens) knows one of the detectives whom he meets in the 'Crown Inn', Morden. Quite recently (apparently during the September crisis (of 1938 in Munich), when he arrived at Harwich from a German trip he was warned by a railway employee that he was likely to be screened and followed. Snow (Arthur Owens) it is said (all according Owens' wife!) 'chewed up the evidence and spat it out of the carriage window'. This employee at that time lived at No. (both house numbers made invisible) Grosvenor Court but has now moved. Snow (Arthur Owens) was very 'scared' and said he intended to reveal all he knew to British secret service.

Snow (Arthur Owens) when Mrs Owens has not seen for about ten days, thoroughly searched the house including her handbag and destroyed every possible scrap of evidence against against himself before he left her. (for Lily Bade).

About two years age he asked Mrs. Owens brother (now diseased) who was then employed by Short Bros, Rochester, to obtain certain secret information for him. The request was refused.

Snow (Arthur Owens) has been drinking heavily for some time past and his wife (now witnessing against Arthur Owens) says he has not been sober for weeks.

There are several people engaged in this business but Mrs. Owens has forgotten their names. She has promised to communicate with me (the one taking her statement) when she remembers them or if she finds any correspondence or addresses which may have been left behind by her husband. She is willing to give further information and to assist the authorities as far as possible.

She fears her husband may use violence towards her and requested police protection (this is just where it all is about!). I promised attention and local → (page 13)

According to the last police report Snow (Arthur Owens) left Dover for Ostend (Ostende) on 11/8/39 and has not returned to this country.

I am certainly glad to learn that your tests on the new batterie(y) have been finished successfully and that you are contemplating the commence production in the near future.

Mr. Thiele (by then ('39) likely still Major Trautmann Ii) will be anxious to work with you on the new process (AOB, Trautmann's function was Leiter wireless communication (Ii), and definitely on whatever sorts of batteries), however, I shall not be able to give him the good news of your coming ever since? he is on holidays and will not be back before? the 20th of August.

As promised yesterday, I am sending you the following particulars concerning the man Snow (Arthur Owens).

It would appear that Snow v travels frequently between England and Hamburg. he says that he is not now worried by the British Authorities. He appears to have plenty of money and travels from place to place in taxicabs.

He makes no secret of the fact that he is paid by the Germans with whom he is working and speaks very highly of them in every way.

In explanation of this attitude, he says he was very bitter against England because his father, his brother and himself were responsible for the invention of a special shall which was used against Zeppelins during the war but the British Authorities cheated them out of any credit for his invention and, in fact, hundred of thousands of pounds, according to him, were paid to other persons.

He is very anxious at the moment to get information concerning any political scandals in which leading politicians are involved, such as Eden and Churchill. This, he explained, was required for use in the German Press and for wireless propaganda.

He also wanted information concerning Communist (AOB: actually British Secret Services were also more or less hunting Communists, at least considering and acting upon as they being great suspects) activities against Germany who were in touch with refugees here, particularly with regard to smuggling German currency. On the military side, he wanted details of the new explosive which is being tried out, which he said is more powerful than any other → (page 36)

as yet known. He is also anxious to obtain a copy off any instruction book dealing with any branch of the Army. He would would only require the book to loan for 24 hours and would guarantee its safe return.

He wanted also any information about the new gun which he said could be used as both anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapon. (like was the German 88 mm gun in most part of the war; to begin with in Rommel's DAK)

He mentioned also he would like to get a copy of any recent instruction book dealing with the R.A.F.; this would, as in the case the Army instruction book, only be required for 24 hours.

Items of general information which he said he also required, included details of works and ammunition dumps in South and Central Wales, details of the new Sunderland bomber; information any any secret experiments in the new wireless idea for bringing down hostile aircraft. With regard to the latter he said he was aware that experiments had now reached a definite stage and were referred to as 'wireless cloud'. (AOB, this might pointing at radar (RDF) like experiments; of which the German side was also engaged with)

He claimed to communicate with Hamburg by wireless very often. He promised that liberal payments would be made for any information he received.

"Snow" (Arthur Owens) subject of Chief Constable's secret memorandum of 14/7/38 and correspondence 370/UNC/765 (see also (T18) (T18return)

arrived at this port from Ostend on the s.s. "Princess Astrid" at 2-15 p.m. today. He appeared to be travelling alone, and later left by boat train due Victoria about 4-20 p.m.

Snow (Arthur Owens) remained at 53, Victoria Street, on the morning of 14th instant until 11.35 a.m. and then walked to Vauxhall Bridge Road, and made purchase at the Camera Company's shop. He visited two public houses near Victoria Station, but without meeting anyone, and at 12.20 p.m. made another short call at the Camera Company, Vauxhall Bridge Road. He then returned to 53, Victoria Street, and was engaged there from 12.35 p.m. to 1 p.m. On leaving he was accompanied by a man, age about 50-55, 5' 7" well built, dark hair turning grey, full face, fresh complexion, prominent nose, right arm missing; dress dark overcoat, blue suit, bowler hat. Both went to and entered "Dirty Dick's"public house, Petty France, and 15 minutes later to the "Albert" public house, Victoria Street. At 1.30 p.m. they returned to 53, Victoria Street, but left again after five minutes and went by bus to Ludgate Circus. There they entered the "King Lud" public house, after remaining there from 1.55 p.m. to 2.15 p.m. parted outside. Snow (Arthur Owens) then walked to the Bank, looking into jewellers' and camera shops on the way, and at 2.35 p.m. entered Lyons' restaurant, 40, Poultry, and had refreshments alone until 2.55 p.m. He then went to the buffet, Liverpool Street Station, and had more refreshments, and at 3.45 p.m. entered 62, London Wall, and went by lift to the third or fourth floor. The building consists of a large block of offices with several exits, and although careful watch was kept on the most likely Snow (Arthur Owens) was not seen to leave. At 5.30 p.m. watch was transferred to Grosvenor Court, Morden and was continued until 7.30 p.m. but nothing further of interest was seen. (AOB: I suppose that Owens was aware that he was watched at and therefore entered a building with several exits)

On Wednesday, 15th February, Snow (Arthur Owens) left his address at → (page 40)

11.35 a.m., left with a man who was wearing horn rimmed spectacles and who bore a strong resemblance to the one-armed man seen on the 14th instant. Both went to and entered a wine bar of the "Albert Tavern", Victoria Street at 11.40 a.m. and when watchers entered some time later they found the men in conversation with a number of others who were in the bar. They remained there until 1.35 p.m., when Snow's (Arthur Owens') left, followed five minutes later by Snow (Arthur Owens) himself. The latter went to the Bank by bus, and entered 20, Copthall Avenue, taking the lift to the third or forth floor, the address connecting with the same block of offices as 62, London Wall. At 3 p.m. Snow (Arthur Owens) left by Copthall exit, went to Moorgate Station, and returned by Underground to Morden, and back to his home address at 3.45. Watch was continued until 8 p.m. but he was not seen again.

On Thursday, 16th February, Snow (Arthur Owens) left his address at 10 a.m. travelled to Moorgate, and then walked to and entered 20 Copthall Avenue, where he took the lift to the third floor. He had not been seen to leave by 1 p.m., and watch was then transferred to Morden (Grosvenor Court, London Rd.). At 3.40 p.m. Snow (Arthur Owens) arrived at Morden Station (Underground), carrying two parcels, both wrapped in brown paper, and each measuring about 18" x 6" x 6". One parcel, which was carried under his left arm, seemed to be somewhat bulky on the top (his transmitter?), and was less neatly wrapped than the other, which he carried in his right hand and which seemed to be heavy. He went direct from the station to his home, and entered there at 3.45 p.m. He was again seen at 7 p.m. when he made a visit to the "Crown" public house, Morden. He remained there, alone, from 7.5 p.m. to 7.25 p.m. and went to Morden Station, and loitered about there until 8 p.m. but was not seen to speak to anyone. He then returned to his address, entering at 8.10, and had not been seen again up to 10 p.m. when observation was withdrawn.

With reference to BJ (Blue Jacket) 770 herewith. This office has a considerable adverse record of Snow (Arthur Owens)

It is particularly desirable that any information which X picks up should be confined to one channel. X has already contacted Air Commodore Nutting regarding the short wave wireless set mentioned at 2b and it would be preferable if Nuttig takes? no action at all and observed the strictest secrecy regarding the whole matter.

There is no objection to X being told in the strictest confidence, that we know Snow (Arthur Owens) as a bad lot, requiring very discreet handling. At the same time, should be warned not to try and draw Snow (Arthur Owens) or display undue interest in his story, but simply to pass on to Plant anything he hears.

AOB, my personal perception: M.I.5 belongs to the War Office and might be just prevailing versus the Air Ministry (at least in some respect)

Unless you think it is important for me to come to London, I do not expect to be there on business until about March 1st or 2nd. Perhaps you will let me know.

In the meantime some peculiar things have been happening. Firstly, the gentleman in question (Arthur Owens) arrived with camera and he told me that he was going to take photographs of certain coast defence Batteries here and when I asked him for what for, he said "To take over to the other side". Also for the same purpose he informed me he was taking photographs of the workgoing on at The South Durham Steel & Iron Company's works.

He is coming here tomorrow (Tuesday) and is supposed to be bringing with him a portable German wireless transmitter with a range of wave-lengths from 10 to 14 metres. He claims to have been told that this set is not possible to use a direction finder on. (AOB, considering the frequency spectrum of say 21 MHz to ca. 28 MHz the communication path passes by means of sky-waves; at least making HF/DF less accurate)

From my limited knowledge I should say that this is not correct, but no doubt Air-Commodore Nutting will be able to tell you. (I mentioned the whole of this matter to Nutting, making the suggestion that he should see Major Boyle (please, notice forgoing reference correspondence of 2nd February 1939). This was before I saw you) if this set arrives.

I have suggested to the man (Arthur Owens) in question that he (Arthur Owens) allows the Air Force experts to examine this wireless set, as in my opinion they are far ahead technically either the intelligence people or the Navy, but I fear he will not let it out of his hands. Except that perhaps he might agree for it to be retained by me at my private house → (page 50)

overnight. So that if your people want to go into the matter and sent a technical representative to me for that evening, I could arrange to work with him all night on it.

I hope you do not think I am making an unnecessary fuss, but I have never yet heard of a genuine agent talking so much about his job and knowing the man to be a very considerable perverter of the truth has aroused very grave suspicions in my mind.

I will ring up your office tomorrow morning between 10 and 11, so that you can communicate to me what you wish done.

KV 2/447-1, page 3 ~~continuing from KV 2/446-4, page 50~~ Following the course of this page it is evident that this page does not possess the clue of the foregoing page 50

I saw Snow (Arthur Owens) last night and gave him his final instruction before he left for Antwerp by plane today.

Having previously seen the D.I. (Director of Intelligence?) and been through to latest questionnaire with him, I was able to give Snow (Arthur Owens) the answers to some of the questions he had been asked (by the German Abwehr). These are as follows:-

(i) Aeroplastics. I gave him a Somerset House particulars of the firm and told him not to take these with him on his journey.

(ii) With regard to the Bristol and Liverpool water supply reservoirs, I told him to say that he was getting information about these.

(iii) I told him to say that, according to Charlie (Charles maybe even born as 'Karl' Eschborn) (KV 2/454), the location of the Beeston-Bromwich underground oil tanks is at Beeston Castle, Cheshire. I told him that these oil tanks are built into the ground at the foot of some rather curious hills and can easily be seen from the Railway line.

(iv) With regard to Hawker Hurricane ÷ Spitfires, I told him to say that as far as he knew they were not rearming these machines, but there has been some talk about this. These machines are being built at the factories mentioned.

(v) I gave him the details and the exact location and contents of the Maintenance units and told him to use his own discretion about picking out the details, I pointed out that, as he had not been to any of these places, he would have to be very careful what he said.

(vi) With regard to the new practice grounds for bombers, I gave him a newspaper cutting which appeared in the "Daily Telegraph" a few days ago about grounds at Whitehorse Hill. As far as the practice ground at Christchurch was concerned, he could say that he had been there but had found nothing; (this actually he did).

(vii) As far as the new destroyer is concerned, I said that he could say that there had been a good deal of talk about a new machine being built by Westland's, who are at Yeovil.

(viii) With regard to the arrival of American planes, he is going to give them the information which he has already got from Charlie (Charles Eschborn) to the effect that these are arriving at Liverpool, are being taken across the City in trucks and are being assembled, possibly, at Speke Aerodrome.

(ix) With regard to the last question about the R.A.F. in France, Air commodore Boyle was insistent that we should make a good story of this, so I (might the latter be the same person whom was designated in the Air Ministry letter as X?) gave him the details the details as he had given them to me, namely that Air Marshall Barrett is commanding in France, that he is in charge of the Advance Air Striking Force, consisting of bombers, a certain number of fighters, and the Army Cooperation unit for reconnaissance purposes. The whole is acting exactly the same manner as the B.E.F. (British Expedionary Forces) and is working in close conjunction with them. (AOB, this letter originated from 4.4.40; say 5 weeks before the German Wehrmacht invaded Western Europe)

I also gave him the attached bit of information which was handed to me by Colonel Harker. He made a mental note of this.

He told me that he had seen, Charlie (Charles Eschborn), and had given him a cheque, Charlie and given him a cheque for £60. Charlie (Eschborn) had bought himself the latest type of Leica camera, and, from the results he had seen, the camera seemed to be working extremely well. (it was world-wide one of the best!). He gave him → (page 4)

minimised photographs of the attached photographs. I made Snow (Arthur Owens) go through these and give me full details as to what they all were.

I told him that, as far as his new friends were concerned, I wanted him to cut adrift from him and from his business at ????kville Street as soon as soon as possible. I said that he could leave both and Celery* to look after the business and he was to get on with his ordinary work of espionage. As he has done with, all his other friends, I am quite certain that Snow (Arthur Owens) has told Celery (Walter Dicketts) a tremendous amount about what he is doing.

Snow (Arthur Owens) had put up the suggestion to me previously that Arthur Owens should ring him up when he is in Antwerp and remind him about his whisky business. This is, presumably, merely for effect. On the grounds that the whole thing is too spontaneous and would be very unwise action, I squashed it.

I also said that, with regard to the question he had been asked on the wireless about getting hold of secret papers from aerodromes, he had got to be very careful when discussing this point as it might get him into serious trouble if he was to produce the required article without any difficulty. I told him in fact not to bring the question up but rather to leave it to them.

Mr. Stopford and I had lunch with Mr. (name deleted) today at my club. It took us considerable amount of time to extract the necessary information from (word or name deleted) and I think that that he is in possession of the useful details or what or what SNOW (Arthur Owens) is actually doing. After much difficulty, however, we extracted from him good deal of information about Celery, whose full name is Walter Dicketts ??? view of him is that he is purely and simply a commercial traveller, who is out to make money, but from what he told us is quite clear that he knows everything about what Snow is doing.

It is very much open to question and careful consideration as to how we should tackle this matter but, if possible, it would be a good thing if we could in some way make arrangements to frighten Snow in order to prevent him from doing this sorts of things again.

At this stage of his career, there must be a large number of people in this country and elsewhere who are quite au fait with what he is doing.

(name made invisible) has been instructed to find out about Celery (Walter Dicketts) as much as possibly can and to let us know at once.

AOB, a have skipped quite some references, as most are more or less of no relevance at all

I went over to the Air Ministry to see Flight Officer Baring, P.A. (personal assistant?) to the D. of I., today at his request. He said that the D. of I. was very anxious to stop Snow sending further weather reports out at the present moment owing to the state of the weather. I argued, and Baring at least agreed with me, that the information which is being sent out by Snow (Arthur Owens) contains nothing about the actual state of affairs in the country so far as the weather but merely gives details of temperature, velocity and direction of wind, height of cloud, and visibility. nothing was ever been included to the effect that it is snowing or that the snow is so many inches thick. I did not see the D. of I. (Director of Intelligence??) as he was busy but I said that I would not send anything over tonight until I heard from them.

I rang them at 6.35 p.m. and was eventually told that I could send a message tonight. I said that I was not proposing to send any further messages this week until Saturday night. The D. of I. whom I spoke on this occasion, said that he would ring me up tomorrow.

I went over to the Air Ministry at Harrow yesterday and saw Major Boyle and Squadron Leader Plant. I took over the attached (see the foregoing schematic) questionair and said that I was very anxious in the first place to get correct information as to the present whereabouts and equipment of the squadrons mentions (please notice the schematic hereafter). Actually no new Spitfire squadrons have been formed but 10 new Blenheim squadrons were formed on 24.10.39, five of which went to the 12th fighter Group. The remainder went to various other groups.

It seems just possible that some informant has passed a general piece of information on to the Germans that 10 new squadrons were formed and the Germans have interpreted this to mean Fighter squadrons equipped with Spitfires. However, the number they refer to do not exist, never have existed and have never been thought of.

With regard to the information to the information required about Nos. 300, 302, 303, 310, squadrons, none of these have ever existed. neither is there such a model as a Wellington II (AOB, by God, not a sky-breaking concept!) The latest Wellington is a Wellington Ia.

Each of these squadrons is equipped with 16 machines (not 18), 12 of which are used and 4 kept in reserve.

With regard to the splitting up of the fighter squadrons into two flights, A and B, and the question as to whether this has been done with squadron 107, 110, 197, 507, this idea has never been thought of or put into practice. Nos. 197 and 507 do not exist and 107 and 110 are both at home.

It is pointed that these squadrons, especially fighter squadrons are moving every day of the week to various stations. (AOB: why, for means of deception?)

In so far as possible leakage of information about these moves is concerned. I went into this matter very carefully with Group Captain Harris. The situation is as follows:-

In the event of new squadrons being formed, the only people who are likely to know anything about this are, naturally, the Air Council, Group Captain (Arthur??) Harris, Squadron leader Strutt and Squadron Leader Pyke. They are responsible for putting this idea into practice and ultimately informing various departments who would be concerned. So far as movements of aircraft either belonging to bomber command or Fighter command is concerned, this information is passed over the green line telephone (a secure scrambled telephone line) from Fighter or Bomber command to one of the three people mentioned above.

The movement of a squadron naturally means that everyone in the squadron knows about it, including the Maintenance Section, and the area of leakage must naturally be very large.

What type of informant could make the mistake of saying 501 squadron was with the 13th instead of the 11th Fighter Group?

In the case of 504 the informant was wrong as to the number of the Group, but knew that the group H.Q. were at Hucknall. he did not know 504 was at Debden.

610 - the informant is wrong about the Group number and only knows where they were formed.

Herewith three letters for Graham 9 Norbiton Avenue, Kingston. They were traced at Kingston in the Returned letter Section. This was the proper place for them to be, as the flat is empty, and the name 'Graham' does not appear on the redirection notice supplied to Kingston for letters for Snow (Arthur Owens) alias Wilson.

The letter in purple type has had a checkered career. It has no postal district in the address with the result that it was first sent to the Western District Office (which delivers the major part of Regent St.) - thence to the South Western Office for delivery - then redirected to Kingston. This letter (made invisible) Columbia House.

The Official sealing of the three letters was necessary before sending up here as they had been ripped open in the returned Letter Section.

Major Scotland from M.I.9 came over this morning to discuss with Capt. Robertson (TAR), M.I.5 and Capt. Cowgill, M.I.6, the question of the supply of information for the double agents. It was agreed that, when German questionnaire was received by a particular double agent, draft answers should be prepared, by the operations sections of W (M.I.5.) either from documentary information available or in consultation with some appropriate officer in the Admiralty, War Office or Air Ministry.

2. These draft answers will then be submitted to a meeting of S=Directors of Intelligence at which Col. Crock? will be present.

3. If the answers are approved they will be dispatch at once, if not, suitable amendments will be made on the clear understanding that if the information to be given is false this fact will be clearly indicated and M.I.5 (W) will have complete discretion to wrap that information up in a way which will not endanger the safety of their transmitting agency, or not to send it at all.

4. No definite decision was reached about the method of accruing approval to draft replies which full within the orbit of the ministry of Home Security.

AOB: practically we are entering a new episode, where new double cross agents are entering the double-cross games played by M.I.5 and less by M.I.6

It is not my aim to expand the entire retrospect, but to let you touch - what else happened in the double-cross endeavour on the British side.

The names notice in the files are nearly always their actual "double-cross names".

Where possible, I will add the according genuine names, as far as these are known to me.

albeit, that not always they discovered the real names, such as WW where they, in my perception, due to the lack of his real name they notice

Welsh-speaking MI5 nominee replaced by GW. Which is not entirely correct was - that both appear in some references at the same time.

At about 11.15 a.m. Burton (according [19] Burton Maurice Prison officer and amateur radio licence holder (AOB: HAM) who acted as operator for Snow (Arthur Owens) phoned to say that the following message had been received for the other (German) side. viz.

Howe he contact you at once please. Answer at once he is also standing by for your answer.

After a discussion between Captain (Guy) Liddell and Mr. Frest? it was agreed (at M.I.5) that the Swedish friend was identical with Summer (Caroli-Goeste; KV 2/60) a double-cross agent under our control, and Burton was accordingly told to send following reply which was sent at about noon. viz.

"Gen most booking-office Kiga Mycombe Railway Station. Will wear white button-hole. Password, have you seen the station-master. What time."

At about 3 p.m. Burton telephoned to say that the that the following message had been received. viz.

Trying to make arrangements tonight it 2 p.m. for tomorrow at 11.00 a.m. Man is 3 ft 11 in. slender, mostly glasses. Can you come again tomorrow at 7 a.m.

As a result of the situation created by the foregoing exchange of messages it was decided that the meeting should actually take place, in case to other side had arranged for it to be watched and attended by any other agent, and that the whole proceeding should be watched by us (M.I.5) in order to take care of any such visitor. After considerable deliberation it was decided

did it would be necessary to disclose to him the position of Summer (Caroli Goeste).

b) That Burton could not go, since to meeting of of this importance the other side would side would at least expect that somebody known to them should be sent.

c) That in the circumstances Biscuit M.I.5 codename for Sam McCarthy (AOB, I could not trace the KV 2/ reference) would have to me the emissary.

Biscuit was therefore instructed to appear tomorrow at High Wycombe at the time and place and in the manner arranged, and the other he had been contacted to walk with the Swede (Caroli Goeste; KV 2/60) , towards London on the main road until they were out of the town. If he was not picked up he was to sit down and to talk to the man on general topics until the man was taken from him. Biscuit was not slow to appreciate that High Wycombe is a very Barge town and and that he had a fairish walk in front of him. Biscuit was not to appreciate that High Wycombe is a very large town and that he had a fairish walk in front of him. In anticipation of his probable reaction to this unaccustomed exercises he was instructed not to visit any public houses en route, After being separated from the Swede he was to come to London, and at once to phone Captain Robertson (TAR).

As soon as it was clear to the ?t? that the full complement of the guests, whether invited or uninvited were present at the party Summer (Caroli Goeste; KV 2/60) et al, would be roped in leaving us with the thorn, question of what story should be told to Snow (Arthur Owens) and the other side (the Germans). It is impossible to over stress the absolute necessity of a ?rriving at the right answers to this questions in view of the fact that the other side's action in putting Summer (Caroli Goeste) in touch with Snow (Arthur Owens) indicates their estimate of Snowy's (Arthur Owens) importance and the strong possibility that the single spy may be the forerunner of a whole battalion. Upon the action mow taken really depends all the month's of work spent on Snow (Arthur Owens). During the preliminary deliberations Major Gill of R.S.S., reported having picked up the text of a message from Hamburg to Cherbourg for the retransmission to Summer for retransmission to Summer thus confirming the process the view that Summer and the Swedish friend (Caroli Goeste) were the same ??. The message was → (page 7)

substantially the same as No. 2 above with the addition of a ??? that he was not to give give himself up as a refugee.

After considering a number of alternative, even including letting Summer go to live with Snow (Arthur Owens), it was decided that no final decision could be made until the 7 a.m. message had been received tomorrow. To give the longest possible time for thought the decision could actually be postponed until late tomorrow afternoon, i.e. the time by which it would be reasonably to expect Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) to turn up at Snow's to report.

During the afternoon a discussion was held with Major Scotland of M.I.9. who said:

1) That M.I.9 would not volunteer to us any military information for the transmission to the other (German) side but that they would either vet (examine) any such message which we cared to submit to them or provide the answers to any questions raised by the other side.

2) That in the case of Snow (Arthur Owens) traffic M.I.9 was agreeable to all matters being dealt with by Air Commodore Boyles direct.

I went over to Swansea and there saw Major Ford ([19] M.I.5's RSLO* in Cardiff) together with GW (double-cross agent Gwilym Williams). Quite briefly, I arranged with GW (Gwilym Williams) that he should give up his connection with us (M.I.5) and that I should pay him up till the end of October, I also arranged that as there were certain payments outstanding to him which amounted to some £20, I would pay him for this as soon as possible.

I went to see the house which (Major) Ford had fixed up in which the three gentlemen (Biscuit, Summer (Caroli Goeste KV 2/60) and Snow ?? (Arthur Owens) from Germany are to be accommodated and said that I would arrange to have this fitted up with the necessary microphone. I also instructed Major Ford to get rid of WW (real name unknown to me, as well as Nigel West) as I could see no useful purpose for retaining his services.

When I returned to London I got into touch with Mr. ?? and arranged to send him down. Mr. ?? said that he would go down to see Major Ford and would arrange the necessary transport facilities and in general show him the way around.

Mr. ?? reported to me this morning that everything was ready and that the listening apparatus was actually situated in the next house and that the listeners would be taken in by people next door as lodgers.

I saw Snow (Arthur Owens) last night at 9.15 and asked him if he would be prepared to continue working with Biscuit ([19] Sam McCarthy). He consented (agreed) to do this and I said that in the future Biscuit was going to take all his instructions from me (TAR) and that I would even go so far as to instruct him when I wanted him to go down and see Snow (Arthur Owens) at Richmond.

Apparently, according to Snow (Arthur Owens), Biscuit behaved extremely badly and was most abusive, not only to him (Arthur Owens) but to people in the local club and this created a very bad impression with all concerned.

4.9.40 Sgd. T.A. Robertson (AOB, TAR's signature is not stable, even a bit 'primitive')

AOB: please bear always in mind: - that the KV 2/xxxx file series are with increasing PDF page numbers running backwards in time; thus the further you approach in the file you proceed to what happened earlier, in history.

I saw Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) yesterday after his return from Lisbon. (AOB: Lisbon was the basic spot where British controlled agents met with Abwehr personnel; because there existed lively air traffic between England and Portugal. The Germans were linked regularly with several airlines, mainly Lufthansa with, for example, Berlin. This lasted up to April 1945!) He arrived at Liverpool on the previous day on the s.s. "Suwa Maru" (AOB, a Japanese ship, possessing the advantage that it wasn't likely that the Germans would torpedo a Japanese vessel). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwa_Maru

He arrived in Portugal by plane on 24th July (1940) and went straight to the Grande Hotel Duas Nacoes, Rua Victoria, at which he had been told to stay.

The name of the hotel proprietor is Wissman (Wissmann?). He is aged about 50, stout, nearly bald, speaks English perfectly but with a German-American accent. He also speaks many other languages. He has been a (Nazi) Party Member since 1937. He is not trusted or liked by either the Doctor's (Dr. Rantzau an alias of Major Ritter, Leiter I Luft Ast Hamburg) representative in Lisbon (at KO Portugal; also known as KOP) He is, however, used to obtain information about people who stay in his hotels. Apparently he has another hotel in Portugal.

He put a proposition to Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) whereby Biscuit should help two Jews to get to the U.S.A. The price was 30,000 escudo's, which would be divided equally between the Hotel proprietor and name made invisible (Sam McCarthy?) Very wisely, Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) reported this this incident to (Hans) Doebler (about whom a note will follow), and by doing so was able to place himself fairly high in Doebler's estimation. The proposition was, of course, turned down and Doebler remarked that Wissman (Wissmann?) was not a good German. Wissman (Wissmann?) told Biscuit that the English Consul was most unhelpful because he warns people against staying at Wissman's (Wissmann's?) hotel. Biscuit remarked that it would be easy to buy Wissman (Wissmann?) but that he is thoroughly unreliable and would undoubtedly double-cross.

The head porter of the Hotel: is a Portuguese, speaks no English and is in German pay. He is considered by them to be trustworthy and a useful man. he apparently works for (Hans) Doebler and the German "Naval Chief" (possibly the Naval Attaché) in Lisbon.

"The Naval Chief". Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) did not bother to find out the name of the Naval Attaché because he heard that he was leaving shortly and was being replaced by someone else from Germany. However, his car number is D.E. 10/20. Biscuit (Sam MacCarthy) says that he is attached to the German Embassy and goes there every morning at 11. He gets his news every night at 8.30 p.m. and Doebler sees him the following morning before he goes to the Embassy. It was through him, I gather, that Doebler obtained advance information of the fact that Biscuit was arriving on 24th (1940) at Lisbon. The Naval Attaché lived at the Hotel in which Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) was staying and apparently received his information through the Embassy.

The Doctor (Rantzau, real name Major Ritter) was only in Lisbon for 12 hours and arrived there on Monday, 5th August, and left the following day. (AOB, consider that he might have returned to Madrid again) He was travelling on a diplomatic passport and described himself as a Commercial Attaché; the passport was in the name of von Jorgensen (Jörgensen, Jørgensen?)

Aged 41, height 5' 8" or 5' 9", round face, florid complexion, high cheek bones, clean shaven, fair hair parted on the right side, irregular teeth, no gold teeth visible (this is a distinguishing mark given by Snow (Arthur Owens) ; has one tooth on the left side of his mouth which protrudes so that it forces his upper lip over the gum when he laughs or talks with emphasis. Speaks with a broad New York accent, swears, fond of telling filthy stories, and is exceedingly common.

(Note: From the general description of the Doctor, there is no doubt that he is identical with Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter). There are however, some discrepancies namely the fact that the man Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) saw had no gold tooth; also, according to Snow (Arthur Owens), he was very rarely heard Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter) → (page 38)

swear or tell filthy stories. This may possibly be quite easily explained by the fact that Snow (Arthur Owens), to all outward appearances, is quite a different type from Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) and I think there is a little doubt that the two Doctors are identical.

The Doctor apparently came from South Germany via Madrid and went back via Barcelona where he had a special plane waiting for him which took him straight to Berlin. Biscuit had fortunately had a complete week with Doebler, who appears to do certain amount of work for the Doctor in Lisbon This, I think, stood him in very good stead because (Hans) Doebler put in a good word for him at the first meeting.

They met first of all in the morning of 5th August and then again in the afternoon. The Doctor questioned at some length about his work over here and the work done by Snow (Arthur Owens). Biscuit (Sam McCarthy), of course, gave him full particulars about the defence measures in this country (U.K.). These particulars were extremely exaggerated and totally inaccurate as Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) tried to give the impression that the defences are very strong. However, the Doctor appeared to to be extremely pleased and asked him to obtain as much as detail as possible about aircraft in this country.

Apart from this, the Doctor said that he thought Snow's (Arthur Owens') work was falling off and implied that he had done some very good work for him in the past (AOB, this latter notice implies that this Doctor really was Major Ritter), but he thought that he was now getting a little slack. Biscuit however, said that Snow (Arthur Owens) was very worried over Lily (Bade) and was unable to get around much owing to the fact that he had to be on the radio every night, thus implying that it was essential for the Doctor (Major Ritter) to send assistance.

From the conversation it appeared quite obvious that Snow's (Arthur Owens') son Robert might be useful to the Doctor (Major Ritter) as he is a clever boy, a good draughtsman and knows all about aeroplanes. The Doctor (Major Ritter) is anxious for Snow (Arthur Owens) to get him into an aircraft factory or an aerodrome.

Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) thinks he got very well with the Doctor (Major Ritter). The latter took particulars of his passport and photographed ?? Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) also gave the Doctor his ration book and National Registration Card No. number made invisible. The Doctor (Major Ritter) gave instructions to (Hans) Doebler to show Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) how to make certain secret ink; this will be explained later.

The Doctor (Major Ritter) said that the South African was in Belgium (Robey Leibrandt the boxer who returned to SA on the Kyloe) (The Kyloe was a French ca 30 tons sailing boat, but operated on behalf of the Abwehr) waiting to be sent to his country. He is also very anxious for Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) to find a place where time fuses bombs etc, could be dropped by parachute. This may also mean that as soon as the place was given they will drop the South African at the same place (incorrect, as Leibrandt actually landed about the border between SA and what is now Namibia).

The Doctor (Major Ritter) said that they had treated parachutes for invisibility but the material would not stand it and that when they were dropping material from aeroplanes he was to watch for a small white parachute.

In the course of conversation he mentioned a man named O'Brien in Ireland and said that he was a good man.

Mention was made of the North Sea trawler episode, and that the Doctor (Major Ritter) (by the way, Major Ritter was in the possession of licence to fly an aeroplane himself!) says that they were there on the Thursday night, and that it was their plane (He 111?) which had circled over the trawler on Monday night. From what Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) could gather, it seemed that Snow (Arthur Owens) knew that it was the Doctor (Major Ritter) and that he was coming on the Monday.

In discussing the Doctor (Major Ritter) afterwards with Doebler, he → (page 39)

and Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) agreed that they could not understand how the Doctor had got to the position he was in at the moment. Doebler said that that the Doctor (Major Ritter) was a liar.

Another thing of interest which the Doctor (Major Ritter) mentioned was that Hermann Goering, with whom he is particularly friendly, visited Hamburg the other day to see how the morale of the people was. On being asked by Doebler how much damage had been done in Hamburg, the Doctor said, "Oh, very little". It was over this remark chiefly that (Hans) Doebler said that the Doctor (Major Ritter) was always lying.

Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) also said that he was told by the Doctor that Goering was going to "open the cage" (what does this imply?) on the 14th August but that the big show would not begin them but would start later.

Henri (Hans) Doebler (PF 600816 does no longer exist) (or Döbler or Doubler). Also uses the name Duarte. Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) is on very good terms with him and first met him one day of his arrival in Lisbon. when he was given a note. attached) telling him to go to Mr. Doebler, at Rua Santa Marta 232, where Doebler has a flat. He went there by taxi immediately but no one answered the door. He returned to the Hotel to find that a telephone message had come through asking him to return.

After a while they got on very friendly terms and (Hans) Doebler told him about his past history and how he came to be in Lisbon. (Hans) Doebler is a man of 40 years of age, born in Hamburg, and has an Argentine passport. During the last war (1914-1918) he was an officer in the German Army in Palestine, He speaks Spanish, French, German and English, but does not speak English very well and is rather conscious of this fact as he says that it handicaps him slightly in his work.

He is 6' 0" or 6' 1" tall. broad shoulders, clean shaven, blue eyes, silver grey hair. He spent the last 18 years in the Argentine and is a man who must at one time have had a considerable amount of money. He has done a certain amount of yacht racing in South America and knows Sopwith. He returned to Germany in 1939 and went to see his brother in Hamburg. His brother is employed in some decoding department in Hamburg and recruited Doebler as an agent. Doebler then went to Lisbon for three weeks in January 1940, after which he returned to Lisbon for three weeks in January 1940, after which he returned to Lisbon in April 1940 and has been there ever since.

He frequents the bars and hotels in Lisbon where English and American people go.

Part of his work is sending explosives etc. to the United States. He has recruited an agent on the S.S. "Excambion", United States Export Line. This ship calls at Lisbon regularly. He also sent an agent to the United States on the "Manhattan" (this information was confirmed by a totally different source, namely the Group 10 intercepts.)

He says that there are a number of German agents in Portugal and that Madrid and Barcelona are both full of German agents.

The porter of the Grande Hotel Due Nacoes is in Doebler's pay, and the Chief of the International Police is in German pay. he apparently is very useful to them when they want to get stuff on board ships leaving Lisbon.

Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) to recruit an agent for Doebler, whose name is René Emmanuel Mezinin. Mezinin is a steward on the "American clipper" and left on 8 August with a letter to someone in New York City. Apparently, Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) and Doebler were in a bar one night and Doebler suggested that Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) should talk to the man and see if he would work for (Hans) Doebler. Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) did this and found ????? → (page 40)

difficult a task as Mezinin was only too willing to make a dishonest dollar. This apparently impressed Doebler very much and put Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) very much and put Biscuit's (Sam McCarthy's) stock high.

Doebler had had a certain number of bombs etc. which were intended for (passage made invisible) but he had sent them to the United States with batteries. This may mean that the bombs were disguised as batteries or accumulators.

On one occasion when Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) and Doebler were driving through Lisbon in the latter's car, Doebler stopped and pointed out a man, saying that he is the head of the British Intelligence in Lisbon, He told Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) exactly where he had his meals, where he lived, etc. The man's description is as follows:-

Doebler also told Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) that the English had tried to recruit an agent from one of the German people in Lisbon and that had offered him more than 80 escudos a day. This apparently did not attract the German and he reported the matter.

Doebler said that he was expecting a man named McGuiness (?), who was coming to Lisbon from Germany.

Doebler has a Portuguese woman, who is said to move in high circles in Lisbon, and who accompanies him everywhere he goes. This woman, apparently, is in touch with Salazar (the Dictator of Portugal for decades), and Doebler said that Salazar is becoming more pro-German. (name made invisible) did no manage to get this woman's name but it should not be difficult to identify her.

The Doctor (Rantzau real name: Major Ritter) gave the message for Biscuit to take back to Charlie (Charles Eschborn) (KV 2/454). he was pleased with Charlie's photographic work (M21) (M21return) and told Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) to tell him that his brother (Hans Eschborn; living in Germany where he was born) had been made an N.C.O. (Non-Commissioned-Officer = Uffz.) and that Hans' ? wife was well. Apparently the Doctor (Rantzau; Major Ritter) had seen Hans Eschborn only a fortnight previously.

Secret Ink. On the Doctor's (Major Ritter's) instructions, Doebler showed Biscuit how to make and use a particular type of secret ink.

AOB: I prefer to skip this paragraph; as the substance considered had been made invisible; when you are nevertheless interested - you can digest the text yourself.

Just before leaving Lisbon, Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) was given a suitcase wireless set. This contained a transmitting and receiving set together with detailed instructions as to its use. These instructions were contained separately in a large envelope inside/ Inside this envelope were also five micro-photographed questionnaire. (Charlie (Charles Eschborn) was becoming specialist just in micro-photography). Attached are details showing how the set is worked, together with a line drawing (schematic) of the set. Apparently there was no difficulty in getting the suitcase on board the Japanese ship as the Customs restrictions are not very severe.

Money. Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) was given 3,000 American dollars which he changed into Bank of England notes, with instructions to give the → (page 41)

money to Snow (Arthur Owens) and keep £100 for himself. Out of this he had to pay for his fare back to England.

1. There is a certain amount of jealousy between the Doctor (Major Ritter) and Doebler.

2. Doebler seems to be a gullible (trusting) type of person and is described by Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) as not being the sort of person who likes telling lies. He formed the impression that it would be quite easy to plant an agent, or agents, on him, as he does not seem to have had very much experience in recruiting agents. In fact, he suggested to Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) that it would be very useful, as Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) can speak English, if he could work for Doebler in Lisbon.

4. The porter at the Hotel (Grande Hotel Duas Nacoes, Rua Victoria) could not be bought.

5. The Germans seem to be paying particular attention to running agents backwards and forward between America and Lisbon.

6. Doebler seemed to be quite fond of drink and, in fact, on one occasion Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) was able to drink him under the table. ← (K240) (K240return)

Please notice, also here, during progressing we are going backwards in history (time) therefore the next telegram is of an earlier date than the foregoing reference.

M/0248 Lisbon (241300) 8.8.40 19.44 BST (British Standard Time) 9.8.44 18.55 BST

C. If Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) already home how did he get goods ? through customs. Give details customs officer and persons contacted.

Note by codes - two telegrams numbered 9 have been received so the second has been called 9/A.

KV 2/448-1, page 44 (minute 900?) AOB: albeit not directly noticed; I consider this being a German questionnaire.

I 24.6.40. State present seats first Lord of Admiralty, Ministries of War, Air, Supply, Foreign Office, High commands.

II State exact location and ground target of Bomber Command (formerly Uxbridge) and Group One till eight Fighter Command and Group eleven till fourteen.

IV Is central office London air defence still Dartmouth House, north of Piccadilly.

VI 8.7.40. Paramount importance for me, in our (Secret Service) interest, to get more reports about troop movements, concentrations, defence measures, A.A. (Anti Aircraft) searchlights, even rumoured.

AOB: to be trustworthy in the eyes of the German Intelligence, their agents (including double-cross) must pass on to the Germans at least some true information!)

VII 9.7.40. Can you give us reliable address in Northern England or Scotland to receive explosives? If so, radio also password.

VIII 13.7.40. Scotland enterprise dropped. We shall send a friend to GW (Gwilym Williams) Swansea (Wales). Ask GW whether he considers personal contact with him safe. Do you know whether reliable men from your Welsh organisation are now prisoners in Germany? If so radio names and password. (this text might directly (also) point at Arthur Owens, for the Germans known as Johnny, British code-name Snow)

IX 19.7.40. Please radio exact location Ministry of Aircraft production. Also staff quarters Chief of Air Staff. Recommend bringing Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) and Charlie (Charles Eschborn; living in Manchester). Can Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) do your (Arthur Owens alias Snow) work during your Canada trip? (this endeavour actually never matured) When will B leave? (to Lisbon?)

X 20.7.40. Are the 1500 lb magnetic bombs dropped by Hampden planes stored in a central depot and where? Which type are used as night fighters? Blenheim, Spitfire, Gladiator, Defiant?

AOB: it becomes apparent that step-by-step we are entering a mixed environment where our main personality Arthur Owens (Snow) becoming mixed up with Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). However, we can only follow the lines provided by the KV 2/ xxx serials.

Monday night we had a long chat with G.W. (Gwilym Williams), told him what was needed, name number etc. of a prisoner of war (meant: Welshmen being PoW in Germany). He said he would be able to get it and would send it on in a couple of days. He told us about the letters received from De Ridder (likely a Dutch name) and Macardi he had a copy of the letter written in French on him, said the others were at home and he would bring them for us to read tomorrow. Meet was made for 10-30 a.m. (Apparently the reporter was actually present in Wales).

X told me G.W. Gwilym Williams (KV 2/468) asked about money and said he was told by the people he met in Anvers (Antwerp) that X was to give him what money he needed.

G.W. (Gwilym Williams) very talkative, told us about his having to go up to Fishguard and question members of the Security Police, Customs and others and he had done the job to everybody's satisfaction. - it was easy for him as he (had?) done plenty of that when he was an inspector.

10-30 a.m. Tuesday we went by car to Oxwich bay and photographed a panorama, we then started for Pontydown; stopped at several places for refreshments. In a couple of places G.W. (Gwilym Williams) was known but in the inns where he was unknown he introduced himself to the landlord (proprietor) - You must know me, I'm text partially made unreadable (police Inspector?) In a cafe where he had dinner, I got into conversation with a man named James who was peddling (selling) Remington (type) 'writer'- G.W. (Gwilym Williams) made himself remembered'. During the afternoon we went to the Welsh Parliament, X (WW?) got us in, the (Welsh) Prime Minister or boss is named Lewis - X. gave me a send in and I told Lewis that I was an Irish Party man and a Welsh National Party sympathiser and their cause and ours were as one and that we ought to get together; Lewis agreed and said his party had contacts with my people - I asked him if they were doing any action - he said - nothing since the bombing school, but we have a preacher ... he takes the conchie-classes, he named the man, I have forgotten it. We left Lewis after my telling him that the next time I was that way I would please to address one of his meetings, I bought some literature, dropped a ?? bob for the cause and we blew.

G.W. (Gwilym Williams) suggested to X. that we pick up a man named Cyril, we we called at Cyril's house and took him in the car with us. I asked G.W. (Gwilym Williams) about Cyril and he said - 'He is a man who has done several small jobs for me (as a Police Inspector) and he is quite safe', in reply to my -'Does he know the strength of this affair? G.W. (Gwilym Williams) said 'No man'. Later at night G.W. (Gwilym Williams) asked Cyril whether he knew anybody who was a prisoner - I took G.W. (Gwilym Williams) to my room and left X and Cyril together. I asked G.W. (Gwilym Williams) if anyone → (page 47)

knew what he was doing, again, 'No man'- does your wife know, h? wavered and I helped him out and said she must have an idea, 'Yes? she has but that's all'. After about 10 minutes we joined X and immediately after entering the room G.W. (Gwilym Williams) became hostile an? X and me of trying to recruit Cyril and wash him out - He said Damm job, I am not dependant on it' - I cooled him down and told him (not) to be so stupid, up till then I had, up till then I had not spoken a word to Cyril. To midnight G.W. (Gwilym Williams) hauled Cyril out of it. The impression I got was that G.W. (Gwilym Williams) realised too late that how unwise he had been to contact Cyril seemed scated? to leave him in X's company.

After they left X said to me Cyril has been doing a lot of work for GW (Gwilym Williams) since last October (1939) and up to now he has only received 10/-, X says that he has never used Cyril and he, Cyril does not know what he is doing - they were kids together.

Wednesday morning at 8-30 a.m. I got X to send a wire to 'Come to hotel at once'. When he arrived he had a hand-dog look his face - we shook hands and he said -'Well ! I have forgotten about last night - my wife has found for us a welsh guardsman who is over there, his name is Gender'. I praised him and told him get all details and pass it on - G.W. (Gwilym Williams) drove us to the station, X went in to send a wire home. G.W. (Gwilym Williams) said to me, 'they told ??? London that Snow (Arthur Owens) was not to be trusted and I agree, even last night Cyril says that he is not sure which side Snow (Arthur Owens) is working I let it slide, G.W. (Gwilym Williams) then spoke to me about money and said he was supposed to be paid by X, when X joined us G.W. (Gwilym Williams) again tapped? him did not permit G.W. (Gwilym Williams) to spend any money and before leaving I asked if all was O.K. and was he out of pocket, he said 'No but there ??the car and petrol' I promised to have coupons sent to him, he used about four gallons (ca. 18.2 Liter).

I told G.W. (Gwilym Williams) that if he is contacted he must not do anything stall the man off and get into touch with London (Room 55 or directly with M.I.5)

to be a person of hostile associations and that by reason thereof it is necessary to exercise control over him:

N??, therefore I, in pursuance of the power conferred on me by Regulation 18B, of the defence (General) Regulation, 1939, hereby make the following Order:-

I (TAR) went round to Snow's (Arthur Owens') home today at 12 o'clock after receiving (see forgoing Detention Order 18B of 27 May 1940) statement from Sir Norman Kendall. I went with Mr. (R37) (R37return) → Williams to see Snow (Arthur Owens) who was in bed and there were no one else in the room.

I told him I was not at all satisfied with his conduct and I was not yet clear in my mind whether he had already double-crossed me or was about to do so in his next meeting with Rantzau (Major Ritter). He assured me as usual that he had not double-crossed nor had he any intention of doing so. I said that much against my wish I had been persuaded by Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) to carry on with his show and that Biscuit would be coming round to see him this afternoon. I said was one hundred percent honest, loyal and patriotic. I pointed out that he was my (T.A. Robertson's) agent and anything that Snow (Arthur Owens) did would be reported at once to me. I also said that if I had the slightest suspicion that he was double-crossing either Biscuit or myself (TAR) that I would not be responsible for the consequences. he assured me that he would play quite straight and I gave him another chance to tell me if anything was wrong and if he had done anything which he should not do or anything of which he should have told about. He asked me if he could have some protection as he was afraid of the ~~Gestapo~~ (Sicherheitsdienst / S.D.) and he insisted ??? had double-crossed him and had told the Germans. I said that I would have nothing further to do with him personally and if he wished to communicate with me he was to do so through Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). Before leaving I said I had a complete statement from (name made invisible) but that I was not going to read it to him and just as I left the room I informed him that (name made invisible) was dead ← (P22) (P22return). I left before he had any chance to question me or show any surprise.

With Mr. Williams I then went to Lily (Bade, Owens' girlfriend) and asked her if she would give me her account of what had happened in (word made invisible) office on May 18th. As I expected, before I could finish the question she had practically answered it. It was quite clear that she had rehearsed this answer very carefully with Snow (Arthur Owens) and she was in all probably telling a lie. I did this because last night on microphone (!) Snow (Arthur Owens) was heard to say to Lily (apparently there was a secret microphone in their flat) after they had learnt that I was coming to see them today. "You know what you have got to say". Yes. Do you want me to repeat it". Snow (Arthur Owens) said. "No, I think you know it all right". Lily was obviously nervous and I said that it would be in → (page 52)

her interests to see Snow (Arthur Owens) played the game by me as if he did not I would take steps to have him removed.

I have instructed Burton (Owens W/T operator) and Williams to keep a very close watch on the microphone in order to see what their conversation is and the result of my interview with them.

I am directed by the Secretary of State to transmit to you herewith an Order made by him under Regulation 18B of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, Directing the detention of "Snow" (Arthur Graham Owens) Richmond, Surrey, and the request that you will forthwith cause this person to be arrested and conveyed to Brixton Prison. He should be arrested without warning and his premises searched under the powers of search conferred on the Police by Defence regulation 88A(2) and any article (e.g. sketch, plan, model, note, document or anything of a like nature which may be evidence of an offence to which the Defence Regulations apply or of hostile activities should be seized and forwarded to M.I.5.

3 Two copies of the Order are enclosed: Arthur Graham Owens (Snow) should be given one copy of the time of arrest, and should be informed that it is open to him to make objections against the Order to an Advisory Committee and that he will be given facilities for the purpose in the place of detention; he should also be informed that if he wishes to make any representations to the Secretary of State he may do so. The second copy of the Order should be taken to the Prison with the arrested person and handed to the Prison Governor.

The original Order should be returned to the Home Office endorsed with the date and fact of service, and with a statement that the prisoner has been informed of his rights to make objections to an Advisory Committee, and to submit any representations which he wishes to make to the Secretary of State.

You should also report to M.I.5. (AOB, the latter might have called for this particular Detention Order 18B) what action have been taken in pursuance of this letter.

AOB, we must consider this Order within the context of the fact that the German Forces had invaded on 10th May 1940, quite successfully, Western Europe causing a dangerous trauma for the United Kingdom.

Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) went to see (Arthur Owens)? at Sackville Street at 10 a.m. on 26th May.

As is already known, Snow (Arthur Owens) left Grimsby on Monday, 20th May, in a fishing trawler (actually NID = Naval Intelligence Division's plan code-named Lamp!) to contact Dr. Rantzau (actually Major Ritter, Leiter I L, Ast Hamburg) on Thursday night, 23rd in the North Sea. In actual fact this meeting did not take place but an I.P. Club list was found in Snow's (Arthur Owens') possession when he was searched on board the trawler (AOB, incorrect as it was onboard HMS Corunia). It was felt at the time that this I.P. Club (Important Persons Club) ([19, page 87] (a dinning-club run by M.I.5 at Hyde Park Hotel) list could only have been given to Snow (Arthur Owens) by (name made invisible; but actually was Rolph Williams) [19, page xii and 88] or at any rate had at one time belonged to (name made invisible) (AOB: considering the content of this reference, it is giving the impression that they weren't aware of some aspects, which they truly were because Biscuit (Sam McCarthy, briefed every thing, at least to T.A. Robertson (TAR) over; as far as Nigel West's [19] page 86 and 87) It was known (likely through Sam McCarthy alias Biscuit) that Snow (Arthur Owens) had seen (name made invisible) on Saturday evening, 18th May, at about 7 p.m. for over an hour. This fact can be confirmed by (Biscuit / Sam McCarthy?) who rang Snow up on Snow's instructions at (word made invisible) office at 7 p.m.. The telephone was answered by (name made invisible, but Rolph Williams) who then handed the receiver (telephone) over to Snow (Arthur Owens).

When Snow was interrogated after his return to Grimsby as to why he had an I.P. Club list in his possession, he said that (name made invisible) had given it to him instructing him to hand over to Rantzau (Major Ritter, likely on board the sea plane) for a sum of £2,000. At the same time (name made invisible, but actually Rolph Williams) said he wanted a further £200 immediately to enable his wife to start a business in Henley (on Thames). Snow (Arthur Owens) also said that to his own knowledge (name made invisible) was very hard up (short of money?) and from time to time had borrowed fairly large sums of money from him. This in all amounts to something like £150. Mention had also been made by Snow to the effect that Rolph Williams had designed some sort of code, which (name made invisible) had indicated could be used for communicational purposes between them, and that (name made invisible) had also shown him (Arthur Owens) a blue-print of the working of M.I.5, in particular Colonel Hinchley Cooke and Captain Robertson (TAR), and had also communicated to Snow (Arthur Owens) that he was thoroughly dissatisfied with the way in which he himself was being treated as he was not being paid sufficiently money. He had also indicated to Snow (Arthur Owens) that it was about time Snow (Arthur Owens) and started to look after themselves. This remark is actually borne out by the telephone conversation which (name made invisible) had with Snow (Arthur Owens) on 4th May. (AOB, might the latter ominous person the one whom committed suicide and as TAR noticed was dead? (P22) (P22return) (AOB, we know now that he was: Rolph Williams)

Until Snow gave us this information and the I.P. Club list was found in his possession, (name made invisible) had given us absolutely no indication that he was playing anything but a straight game with us.

When Mr. Stopford and I arrived at the office, (the ominous name made invisible) was in an agitated state. He immediately plied us with a couple of trivial bits of information which he had obtained from his wife. When this was finished, however, we told him that Snow had double-crossed us and that in his possession we had found an I.P. Club list for 25th May, 1939. He expressed astonishment at this statement and said, when questioned, that he could not understand how a List of this description had got into Snow's possession. We then asked asked him whether he was prepared to turn out the drawer and his wife in which we had been told by Snow (Arthur Owens) that the blue-prints of M.I.5 were kept. This (name made invisible, actually Rolph Williams) did. From the safe he produced a packet of papers wrapped up in brown paper and secured by an elastic band. From this he took a Belgium decoration which was given to him in the last war (1914-1918), two or three I.P. Club lists and two small files. We looked through these and both contained particulars of P.S.M.(2), a department which was run by (name again made invisible, though Rolph Williams) in the last war. In the front of one of these files was a blue-print showing the lay-out of P.S.M. (2). After looking through these papers and the papers in the drawers of the desk, we were quite unable to trace his copy of the 1939 Dinner List. This, incidentally is the last dinner which was held by the I.P. Club.

We then asked (this name again made invisible, though Rolph Williams) how he thought this list got into Snow's (Arthur Owens') possession. He said he was quite unable to explain this as as he had always kept his lists in the safe and no one but himself had the combination of the safe.

We also asked him when he had last seen Snow (Arthur Owens). By this time he was becoming a little bothered and was hedging (evading) and never gave a straight answer to any of our questions. He told us at first that he thought he had seen Snow (Arthur Owens) for a coffee at about 9.30 a.m. at Charing Cross Station on about Monday 20th May, just before Snow (Arthur Owens) left for a town in the North of England. He was → (page 56)

he was then asked when he had previously seen Snow (Arthur Owens) asked when he had previously seen Snow (Arthur Owens) and he said he thought he might have seen him Friday, 17th or possibly at about 12 noon on Saturday, 18th. In fact, he said, he could remember Snow (Arthur Owens) and his wife coming up to the office just before lunch on the 18th, but he hotly denied seeing them any later in the day than that.

He (Rolph Williams) said that he was absolutely certain that he had not been in his office after lunch on Saturday, 18th, and when we pressed him on this point, he said that he never did go to his office on a Saturday afternoon except about once in six months to do some small, odd job; but on this occasion that was not the case as he had nothing to do. He remembered going to Epsom on that Sunday and said he could not in least remember what he had done on the Saturday afternoon and evening. After further questioning and hedging on his part, he said that he suddenly remembered that he had soldered two or three coffee pots in his office on the Saturday afternoon, which were brought to him by a girl clerk from Verrey's restaurant as a result of a conversation that he had with Toni, the maitre d'hotel there. He said this soldering would have been about five o'clock, and that at sic o'clock he listened to the news till six thirty. He would have messed about in the office until seven and then he got out. He was certain he did not sit in the office and had gone out to dinner at some little restaurant.

When we told Rolph Williams that we knew in fact that he had been in his office at seven o'clock and had answered the telephone at that time; and that he also made an appointment by telephone to meet Snow (Arthur Owens) at his office at seven o'clock, he changed his story completely and said that after all Snow (Arthur Owens) and Lily had come to his office that evening.

By this time Mr. Stopford and myself were morally certain that not only had the list come from Rolph Williams but that Rolf Williams had given it to Snow (Arthur Owens). It was then decided that we should ring up by Mr. Williams to (house number made invisible) Sackville Street. While we were waiting for Snow (Arthur Owens) to arrive became rather fussed and started moving about the rooms in the office. However, both Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) followed him wherever he went.

He had a boy (servant), named Stokes, cleaning up. He tried, I am sure, to pass something to Stokes but before he was able to do so either I or Mr. Stopford were in the same room. Shortly afterwards he paid Stokes off and sent him away. About 10 minutes after Rolph Williams who was standing in his office looking about in the top right hand drawer of his writing desk, was noticed by Mr. Stopford to pick something out, tear it up and concealed it in his hand. He then walked out the room and shouted to Stokes who was no longer there, went down the passage and threw something into the dustbin. Unfortunately Mr. Stopford was close on his heels and heard something metallic hit the side of the dustbin. Mr. Stopford asked him if he had thrown anything of importance in the dustbin. He said only some odd scraps of paper of no importancem went to the dustbin with Mr. Stopford, carefully turned the paper over until those which had been at the bottom were on the top, and said you can see there is nothing. Mr. Stopford decided not to search the dustbin in detail at this point, but wait until later.

By this time, Snow (Arthur Owens) had arrived with Williams and Snow (Arthur Owens) was asked in front of Mr. Rolph Williams to give his version of how the I.P. Club list had come into his possession. He explained that ot had been given to him by Mr. Rolph Williams on Saturday 18th May, Mr. Williams had taken it from his safe and handed it to him and asked to give it to Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter) from whom he wanted £2,000. Mr. Rolph Williams naturally hotly denied this and said that Snow (Arthur Owens) had obviously pinched it from him when his back was turned.

After Snow (Arthur Owens) had arrived and had said among other things to Mr. Williams that they had arranged a code together, Mr. Stopford asked where the code was, and put it to him point blank that that was what he had torn up thrown in the dustbin. Mr. Williams became confused and → (page 57)

admitted it. He then with a bad grace turned out the contents of the dustbin and without any difficulty picked out the pieces of the code and its cork and cardboard mounting. When asked why he had been taken such trouble to dispose of so surreptitiously (secretly) before any mention had been made of a code, he became confused and said that it was of no importance and he merely acted foolishly. He could give no satisfactory explanation of his making up a code at all except to say that in learning the buzzer he thought better to learn with a code rather than with a straight-forward lettering. This explanation is obviously fatuous.

For some hours we put various questions to Mr. Williams who had up to now denied that he had any knowledge of where Snow (Arthur Owens) was going or that he was going to meet Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter). He confessed, however, that he did know that Snow (Arthur Owens) was going away with a man named ~~Biscuit~~ (Sam McCarthy) who said Snow (Arthur Owens) had described as a crook (criminal). Mr. William, however, ultimately decided to agree that Snow (Arthur Owens) and Lily (Bade, Arthur's girlfriend) had visited him on Saturday night, 18th May. This incidentally is borne out of the telephone conversation with Snow (Arthur Owens) had with Mr. Williams on the morning Saturday, 18th saying that he would be at his office at 7 p.m. made invisible Mr. Williams admitted admitted that he had taken the packet containing the I.P. Club lists out of his safe and had shown Snow (Arthur Owens) list in order, Mr. Williams said, to prove his credentials. This is a rather weak statement, especially as we had been instrumental in putting William's into touch with Snow (Arthur Owens) and that they and that they had known each other for at least two months. He had also taken out of the safe a bird box which he had shown to Lily (Bade). After he had shown this to her, Williams said that Snow (Arthur Owens) had asked Lily (Owens girlfriend) to leave the room as he had some business to discuss with Arthur Owens then said that after conversation he had put the bundle of I.P. Club lists back in the safe and locked the safe, that he had inadvertently left out on the desk the 1939 list together with an old menu card which, incidentally, we had found earlier in the day in Rolph Williams's desk.

When we found this 1938 menu card, Williams expressed surprise and said that it must have been there for at least two years and had got in there when the papers were moved from one desk to another, but that he had not seen it for a long time. Williams then said that in spite of the fact that Lily (Owens' girlfriend) had been asked to leave the room, a perfectly general conversation had taken place, and he could not at all account for for the fact that in spite of the fact that Lily (Bade) been particularly asked to go out, no matter of importance had been discussed. Williams said after this talk he went out to call lily and was followed directly by Snow (Arthur Owens); and he contended that in the short time his back was turned Snow (Arthur Owens) must have picked up the 1939 list and put it in his pocket. However, Williams said that when he came back with Lily he saw the 1939 list lying on on his table, picked it up, put it in the 1938 menu, which he previously stated had never been out o his drawer for two years, and put them back in the drawer in the desk. He was immediately tripped up on this point and admitted thatv it could not have been at moment that Snow (Arthur Owens) stole the list. He agreed that from that time until Snow (Arthur Owens) and Lily (Bade, Arthur's girlfriend) left the office he was always with them the room. The then said that Snow (Arthur Owens) must have come back into the office after it had been locked up, broken open the drawer and pinched the list. This would have been almost impossible feat, for the simple reason that Snow (Arthur Owens) would have had to climb over the railings on the street to have access to the basement where Williams' office is, as the front door leading to the office has a separate key and was locked by Williams when he left. Snow (Arthur Owens) had not got a key to the outside door.

Rolph Williams ultimately admitted that he had seen Snow (Arthur Owens) for a cup of coffee at Charing Cross at 09.30 on Sunday morning, the 19th, before Snow left for Grimsby (the trawler endeavour) He stated definitely that Snow (Arthur Owens) had invited him to coffee, and when it was suggested to him that this would have been an odd thing for Snow (Arthur Owens) to do if he had broken into the office and stolen the list, he would not offer any explanation. He earlier definitely stated that he had come back to Charing cross to the office in a bus, but when questioned by Snow (Arthur Owens) on this point, he admitted that he had gone with him in a taxi as far as Russel Square from where the caught a bus back to the West End. he did not go all the way to Kings cross because he did not wish to meet Captain Robertson (TAR) there.

Snow (Arthur Owens) declared that he had told Williams everything about his activities with Rantzau (= Major Ritter) and had told Rolph Williams that he was meeting Rantzau (Major Ritter) in a trawler in the North Sea.

Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) were very badly impressed by the way in which Mr. Williams delivered his information. He told lies continuously through out the interview, repeatedly changed his story, and only with the utmost difficulty was it possible to extract from him anything at all about the events in question. We were both perfectly convinced that he gave the I.P. Club list to Snow (Arthur Owens) may possibly have been going to hand it over to Rantzau (Major Ritter) and see what money he could get for it.

For a long time Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) or Rolph Williams or Lily Bade? had stated that he had no idea where Snow (Arthur Owens) was going otherwise than to a town in the north, but ultimately he admitted he knew he was going in a boat.

Snow (Arthur Owens) said that they were discussing the financial transaction, name invisible ?, had suggested that the money should be handed over in dollar bills. Snow (Arthur Owens) pointed out that this might be dangerous and name invisible had agreed but said that it should be paid in Treasure notes of small denomination. It was quite clear also that Biscuit (Sam McCarthy)?? is exceedingly hard up and is being pressed for money by his various creditors.

We (TAR & Mr. Stopford) removed four pistols and a firearms certificate from Mr. Williams' office and also his diary which contains various entries which are of interest in the case.

We go back to an intriguing event, he proposed meeting of Arthur Owens and Major Ritter (Dr. Rantzau)

as to get a better understanding - we first consider where Grimsby is situated, also its position against the Occupied European Continent.

AOB: I was a bit surprised by the actual geographic location of Grimsby; after all, in my perception a quite sound choice

Mr Stopford and I (TAR) in Grimsby at 1 o'clock on Friday, 24th May (1940). We met Mr. Leach and he told us that he had not heard anything of the "Barbados" (the fishing trawler). We all went down to see Captain Cowan who was unable to give us any further information but said that the ship should be in dock at about 6 o'clock that night, and that we were to be at his office at about 5.45 p.m. We heard later that afternoon that a signal had been received from the "Barbados" to the effect that the action had been completed and that there was one cot (bed) case.

Mr. Stopford, Captain Cowan, Mr. Leach, Mr. name made invisible and I (TAR) met at the "Barbados" at about 6.20 p.m. and subsequently had a meeting with Lt. Argles and Lt. Paterson in Captain Cowan's office. The two N.O.s (Naval Officers?) gave us their story and also handed over a letter which Snow (Arthur Owens) had written before they had arrived at the rendez-vous on Thursday to Lily and Bob (AOB, was ment here his son Robert?) This letter was written under great strain and lt. Argles considered that he was quite genuine as it had been made quite clear to Snow (Arthur Owens) that if he made a false step he would never see land again. From what they told me (TAR), Snow (Arthur Owens) had a pretty rough passage, but at the same time appeared to be most anxious to get hold of Rantzau (Major Ritter, Leiter I L, Ast Hamburg) either alive or dead and was willing to play the game as far as he possibly could.

After this talk, Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) went to see Snow (Arthur Owens) in the "Coronia". To put it mildly, he was in the most frightful mess, complaining of a duodenal (abdominal) ulcer and really looking desperately ill. He was questioned by us for over two hours but only one thing of interest came from this interrogation. That was to the effect that had been living in a reign of terror for some years from the ~~Gestapo~~. (AOB, the Gestapo "geheime Staatspolizei" was a civil criminal police, where some political aspects were involved; otherwise the regular "Kriminalpolizei" thus the 'Criminal police' was to be concerned. The most likely 'police like instance', where Wehrmacht matters were involve was the GFP "geheime Feldpolizei". For legal matters the S.D. the "Sicherheitsdienst" was the likely institution concerned. But, like the word "Mafia" which only was linked to matters and affairs related to Sicily, but which became a world widely know criminal organisation; so was the word Gestapo; but de jure incorrect) It will be remembered that, when he was working witch S.I.S. (M.I.6) in the early days of 1935 or 1936, he was commissioned by them to take a photograph of Kiel Harbour, This he did and got the photographs safely back to England. Some years after, when he met Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter) he was confronted with this act and on pain of death told Rantzau that he had done so for the British Secret Service.

He continued to deny emphatically that he was double-crossing us and said he had met with M.I.5 to the Germans. We taxed him on various remark which he had made to (AOB, Celery the alias of Walter Dichetts?) and could get very little satisfaction from him. He did, however, say that he was not certain of Biscuit (Sam McCarthy?) an thought that he was a German agent, why should he be taking him to Germany to act as a German agent and if he really thought this why didn't he tell us?

(S24) (S24return) → After this interview, Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) both agreed that there was no possible chance of preferring a case against Snow (Arthur Owens) was there is really very little evidence on which we can base a case. (AOB, considering both: foregoing we have noticed how quick meaning or intentions can change (Q22) (Q22return), one is quite a bit astonished; how men's mood can change between the latter 27th and 30th May 1940) It was decided that we should release him late the following afternoon so that he should get back to London at about 10 p.m. In the meantime, we should ask Mr. Ryde to interrogate Lily (Bade, Arthur's girlfriend) in order to see whether she had any information in her possession which would help to clear the case up. We also intended on our return to London immediately to see (Snow?) (Arthur Owens) (or Rolph Williams?) and cross-question him, the theme to be followed in both cases was that Snow (Arthur Owens) had double-crossed us. A separate note on the interrogation of Lily (Bade) and the interrogation of (former M.I.5's Servant Mr. Rolph Williams??) by Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) is attached.

On the following morning, Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) again was Snow (Arthur Owens) and asked him if he had anything further to say. We gave him no indication that he was going to be releaded that afternoon. He said that he had nothing to add to what he had said on the previous night, It was quite clear that he was fully expecting to be put in prison.

Mr. Stopford and I (TAR) returned to London and tried to find but we were unable to locate him. However, that evening I made → (page 3)

On my (TAR's) instructions Snow (Arthur Owens) sent over a wireless message to the other (German) last night asking the reason why they did not make the rendez-vous on Thursday and asking for money to enable the Captain's wages to be paid.

Snow (Arthur Owens) at his last interrogation implored to be given one more chance as he was quite confident that he could get Rantzau (Major Ritter, Leiter I L, Ast Hamburg) Our wireless message last night was answered but but there was no message.

I have given instructions for Snow's telephone to be disconnected and that he should not be allowed to go out except on instructions from me (TAR).

The upper envoy concerns the establishment of an account in dollars on behalf of Arthur Graham Owens

Our Antwerp Office had transferred to us the sum of $2643,75 with which we have been pleased to open a new current account in your name as per formal advice attached.

Two cards bearing specimens of your signature have been received from our Antwerp Office and they have also sent us your receipt for our general conditions for current accounts and enclose a new form of letter and would appreciate your completing and returning to us the new form of receipt enclosed herewith.

We thank you for opening this account with us and looking forward to serving your, remain

I enclose herewith D.R.Form 8 asking that a Detention Order should be made against Snow (Arthur Owens)

"that a new detention order should be available, to be served upon him when circumstances render his detention desirable in the national interest".

This case is moving rather rapidly and the precise time of the execution of the order, if made, may be of great importance. In the circumstances may I ask that no instructions for his execution should be given except after reference to us?

At the same time it may be that we will want the order executed in the very near future so that I am afraid I must ask you to regard it as an urgent matter.

(AOB: there existed an inconstancy in the attitude of M.I.5: sometimes considering Arthur Owens being a British citizen and in this case consider (handling) him as an Alien, due to his valid Canadian Passport; thus at their will exploiting their (unchallenged) place in the War Ministry hierarchy).

As a result of information from "Biscuit" (Sam McCarthy) (denunciating?) we decided on the evening of the 18th May and the morning of the 19th that Snowy (Arthur Owens) was double-crossing us, was pro-German in outlook, and was acting for the Germans, and that they had been told by him everything that he was doing with us. (AOB, M.I.5's response is quite wobbling (S24) (S24return)

We decided that if possible it would be desirable either to capture Rantzau (Major Ritter) alive at the rendezvous arranged on the wireless on the night of the 18th May, or if he could not be catured, whatever ship he came in should be sunk if possible.

After discussion with Air Commodore Boyle at the Air Ministry on 19.5.40, we decided that it was a naval operation and not one of the Air Ministry to take part in unless requested by the Admiralty.

We explained the position to Captain Edwards, R.N. (Royal Navy), of Operations department of the Admiralty, and came to the conclusion on his advice, that it was highly improbable that Rantzau (Major Ritter) would come in a sea plane (this apparently just was Major Ritter was doing (the latter possessed a flying licence); but that he would choose either an armed trawler or a submarine. Captain Edwards said on principle the the Admiralty would be willing to cooperate, and that the actual arrangements looked as if they should be made by the Vice Admiral in command of submarines. We accordingly saw Vice Admiral Haugnton?, and after very careful discussion with him, decided that if our trawler kept the rendezvous and were manned with a naval crew, there would be a grave risk of the trawler and the crew being lost even if a submarine of ours were at attendance.

We decided that we should not take the risk of losing valuable lives in order to capture Rantzau (Major Ritter), and that therefore the best thing to do was to try and lie in wait for a submarine or trawler, and capture or destroy it.

We decided that we should not take the risk of losing valuable lives in order to capture Rantzau, and that therefore the best thing to do was to try and lie in wait for a submarine or trawler, and capture or destroy it.

We agreed that our trawler should go out and fish in the vicinity until the early afternoon of the 23rd May, and that she should then make for a point on the western edge of the fishing grounds leading Snowy to believe that they were making for the rendezvous at the appointed time. After dark the trawler would pretend to be hanging about for an hour or so and when nothing turned up she would make for home immediately. Snowy would think that something had miscarried and not be suspicious.

The Vice Admiral of submarines arranged that H.M.S. Salmon, Commander Bickford, should leave Harwich on the afternoon of 20.5.40 and lie in wait at a point about five miles east of the rendezvous with a view to trapping Rantzau.

As a result of further discussion with Colonel Harker, we decided to arrest Snowy on his return and charge him with espionage on behalf of the Germans. Also to arrest Mrs. Krafft (Bournemouth), Mr. Wallwork, possibly Mrs. Ambler, Eugene Horsfall Ertz (F238) (F238return) , Mrs. Whinfield, name made invisible, Samuel Stewart if he were not be able at once to give a satisfactory explanation.

Mr. Stopford telephoned to Mr. T.S. Leach at Grimsby yesterday evening, 19.5.40, and gave him the further instructions to be given to the skipper via Mr. name made invisible to the effect that Snowy (known as (Owens' other alias) was double-crossing us, that Frank was in our confidence. that the rendezvous should not be kept, and that the trawler should act as outlined above, and that we would make arrangements to arrest Snowy. (AOB, in my perception, a quit mad circumstance)

I saw Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) at my club today and asked him to go down to the Marlborough Public House in Friarstile Road, Richmond (the town where Arthur Owens then lived), some time about 6 p.m. tonight. I gave him a description of Snow (Arthur Owens) and suggested that he should approach him from the Canadian aspect (AOB: as Owens had lived for 15 years there and even carried a valid Canadian passport).

I gave him a rough outline of Snow's (Arthur Owens') character and pointed out that I thought that he was a tremendous talker.

Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) is to say that he is thinking of coming to stay in Richmond and when he gets into Snow's (Arthur Owens') confidence, will, of course, do so.

I gave him £1 and told him to report his progress to me (TAR) first thing tomorrow morning.

I (TAR) saw Snow (Arthur Owens) by arrangement in Richmond Park on Saturday evening, 27th April. He gave me a résumé of his recent trip (to the continent) and the attached sheet containing the information which he picked up at various places.

He told me that the loose talk which was going about by young Air Force Officers and Army Officers was quite extraordinary. I asked him to sit down and write me a note on this point.

he mentioned that he came across a man at Clovely named Hayler telephone number Wimbledon number made invisible who was extremely anxious to get out of this country without being detected and go to Ireland and then to France. He struck Snow (Arthur Owens) as being an extremely mysterious type. he also considered it curious that a man of his age of 22 should want to get out of the country in this manner. I suggested that possibly he might have been trying to evade military Service. He apparently knows Germany quite well and has been in Hannover (Hanover).

Snow (Arthur Owens) said he might be able to help him in getting out of the country by providing him with a means of transport. he merely did this in order to try and find out a little more about him. There was some question that he was going to France in order to collect a large sum of money. Snow (Arthur Owens) was rather in definite on this point.

Snow gave me the following description of Mrs. Keller; about 5' 6" , hair medium, quite good looking, not made up. Speaks English well.

We discussed the visit of the Lascar to 35 Sackville Street and he said that the only person to whom he had given his card was Rantzau (Major Ritter) he had not given one to Mr. Caby or to the Commander.

We also discussed the question of the candidate to be sent to Germany. He said he thought that possibly (Biscuit??) who he knew was willing to go, might fill the position admirably. I said that in all probability I would nominate somebody else but at the same time I thought it would be better to give the Germans an alternative. He first class mechanic or engineer.

I told Snow (Arthur Owens) to get into touch with Charlie (Charles Eschborn) at once as I understood from Biscuit (Sam McCarthy)? that he had some interesting information to give. He (Arthur Owens) did this last night and told me that Charles Eschborn could not see him today, Monday, but would like either Mrs. her name invisible or name invisible to go up and meet him in Manchester on Friday.

During the course of our conversation last night Snow (Arthur Owens) told me (TAR) that he had called in on Phil Stentiford yesterday. Stentiford told him that he had been trying to get hold of him for the past week as he had some important information. As other people were present at the Stentiford was unable to to give Snow (Arthur Owens) much information but said that a Mrs. Carruthers, a member of the British Union (B.U.F. British Union of Fascist or Peace Pledge Union?), had expressed a wish to get into touch with Snow (Arthur Owens). I told Snow (Arthur Owens) to see Steitiford? (Stentiford?) as soon as possible and to find out exactly how the approach was made and, before seeing Mrs. Carruthers he was to let me (TAR) know the exact position.

I spoke to Snow (Arthur Owens), who had previously rung up to say that he was going down to a house in Kew in connection with Mrs. Carruthers. I (TAR) told him (Arthur Owens) when I spoke to him in the telephone that it was most unwise for him to pay this visit and asked him (Arthur Owens) how the situation had arisen as far as Stentiford was concerned. He said that Stentiford had apparently merely come across a cafe at Kew which was connected with the P.P.U. (Peace Pledge Union) and is in some way or another, Mrs. Carruthers was connected with it. No approach had been made to Stentiford; the information had merely passed to Snow (Arthur Owens) as of possible interest.

I saw Air Commodore Boyle this evening and showed him the last questionnaire and the recent questions which have been asked over the radio.

I also showed him the notes with Snow (Arthur Owens) had compiled during his recent tour,

He gave me various answers to the questionnaire and said that as far as he was concerned there was no reason why we should not give them the information which Snow (Arthur Owens) had collected.

It is known that the enemy are anxious (AOB, as would the British be on their side, as well) for acts of sabotage to be carried out at air ports and munition factories in this country. Nothing can be done at the moment owing to the fact that no explosive material has been provided. However, it is felt that should this material arrive a plan should be already laid so that the necessary steps can be taken fairly soon after the arrival of the explosives.

The underlying motive behind this plan is to instil the greatest possible confidence on the part of the Germans in our agent. (meant: German sent agents turned to double-cross their German masters)

It will be possible to report beforehand roughly the time and certainly the position of the intended act of sabotage.

It seems essential that if anything of this description is to take place the actual explosion or fire must occur. There should on no account be any loss of life, but at the same time there should be a certain amount of material damage do to an aircraft and a hangar or shed.

It has been suggested, although we are not necessarily tied to this, that Martlesham or Farnborough would constitute good targets for an act of sabotage.

In order to give this scheme an air of reality, it is felt that it would be necessary to hold a Court of Enquiry and to give a certain amount of publicity to it in the Press. This might give rise to questions being asked in the House (of Commons) and, from the point of view, it will of course be necessary to inform the Secretary of State.

It is felt that a better effect would be obtained from every point of view if it could be arranged for two or three aerodromes to be sabotaged in different parts of the country at roughly the same time.

By the nature of things, it is felt that recurrences of such acts would not be pressed upon us after our first efforts in this direction, as can always be explained to the Germans that it is a very difficult matter to get hold of people who are willing to carry out such orders.

Quite apart from this, it is felt that it would have the most salutary effect upon the Security measures generally at Government establishments.

It is felt that a certain amount of consideration should be given to the selection of the aerodrome, i.e., should it be one which is near a town or near London, or should it be one which is difficult to get at and away in the country?

In the preparation of this plan it is, of course, essential that the utmost secrecy should be observed.

there is another danger to which attention should be drawn is considering that plan and that is that, if the information is sent to Germany beforehand to the effect that an act of sabotage will occur at such and such a place, it is possible that the German news broadcast in English may contain an item to this effect before the actual explosion takes place. A very careful watch, therefore, should be kept on the German broadcasts between the time when they receive the information and → (page 29)

the time of the explosion. This can quite easily be done, and is being done every day, by the B.B.C. and certain other monitoring services employed in this country.

It will be remembered that quite recently we were asked to obtain secret documents from aerodromes. The words "secret documents" have now been more clearly defined and they include instruction books issued to the R.A.F. and papers carried in R.A.F. machines.

The enemy appear to be extremely anxious to get hold of of documents of this description (AOB, there, actually, does not exist a difference between the British desire to obtain German secret documents and their latter considerations), and it would again very much enhance the value of our (double-cross) agent in the German eyes if we were able to produce such documents. These documents would not be easy for our agent to get hold of as he has no access to aerodromes and it would be necessary, therefore, for him to have obtained them from some third party. If it would be possible to obtain a number of these documents at different times it would produce a very much better effect.

It is felt that they should be fairly accurate documents which could be slightly out of date, or of a non-secret nature which could be made to appear secret to the enemy.

I spoke to Charlie (Charles Eschborn) on the telephone and instructed him to transmit the following message to Snowy today before 7.30 p.m. in two parts:

the he had heard confidential gossip and gave it as such for what it was worth, that he War Office were urgently asking for detailed photographs of Bergen (Norway).

Note: We have done this at the request of the Joint Intelligence committee, whose underlying idea is that we should try and camouflage from the Germans the real intention to make a landing at Trondjem (Trondheim), in order to prevent them concentrating their machine guns in any one place.

(AOB, in my perception: also the British Secret Services were engaged in a ridicule scenario, as 20 days later the Germans invaded Western Europe successfully and forced the British Forces to flee the European Continent in a rather dramatic and panic way, and not without the essential support by the Americans; they could return just over four year later)

I (TAR) send you herewith the statement of Snow and Celery (Walter Dicketts) as far as they have gone. I am also enclosing the latest piece of operational information which was taken from Celery this morning.

I must apologise for any "box-up" which may have occurred in passing on what I considered to be information of vital importance without previously consulting your Department. This was a stupid mistake and I suppose I should have known better.

Signature made invisible; but viewing the last line and we notice TAR implying that he the actual author of this letter was Capt. T.A. Robertson

I got into Cintra this afternoon - Cintra is the airps?. We arrived there in the afternoon, I got a taxi into town and checked in at the Metropole Hotel. Some man paid my taxi fare _ I don't know who it was".

Then I contacted the Hotel Duas Nacoes and left a message there and went back to the Metropole. In the evening I got a telephone call from Duarte ( = Hans Doebler) (The name then was Courty) then I had to be outside the Hotel at a quarter past nine, the Metropole Hotel. Well, the time had changed - it's different over there - anyhow, I waited an hour, you see. Eventually he walked up to me and said 'You're Mr. Orrington (?)? Will you come with me?' and I said "Yes"so we alked along the street, got into a car. The Doctor (Rantzau actually Major Ritter) was there. 'Now', he said 'We've got a very important talk. It had better be done at once. You'd better come with me; we're going to take you opposite the main police station in Lisbon, where you will be well looked after, because the police are in our pay and you need'nt worry.

We got there and went up into this place. It was in the same place where Biscuit (agent Sam McCarthy) went (T25) (T25return) - where it is I don't know, because it was dark.

Well, he (Major Ritter) said, "I've got something very important to tell you. I want a truthful answer." I said: "O.K., you know me". He said: "We have information that you are in contact with the British Intelligence". I said "That's perfectly true, I have been trying for two and a half months to tell you that. That's what I have been trying to do. I'have sent a lot of stuff over the radio; I sent that S.O.S. (which I didn't) but your operators were so lousy in Hamburg (Domäne; in Wohldorf) so you didn't get it".

He said "How did you manage to get here?" (AOB, the real blow (fault) was due to M.I.5 whom obtained an airpline seat - whereas this was without official backing impossible)

"Well, "I said, "somebody gave me away in England and they walked in on me two and a half months ago, and they said "We know all bout you. We've get two propositions and if you help us we'll see you are O.K. if you don't ...' So I said - what else could I do? _ I said I'd help them, because I wanted to get in contact with them. That's why I'm here today".

"Well he said, "That's what we knew. We knew all about it. "E've got the story, but we expect you to give the details, and we've outlined a plan of what we want to do". That plan is this: The transmitter at home is still to be carried on. The messages sent through? correct will go through ordinarily. Any fake messages I've got to - I have got in my book what's got to be put down with the messages. and they'll understand it's a fake message".

Yes. Now the next thing that's got to be done is I've got get Celery (Walter Dicketts) or another man over to the Channel Islands with instructions how to contact the military Commander, and to ask for the military Commander at Hamburg (Ast-X) - the Doctor (Rantzau alias of Major Ritter) is that - He will pick up another radio set which has got to be installed secretly in this (English) country. At the same time the boat, which I gave the name that Michells gave me, that's got to be kept, and I understand now - I don't know officially, but I understand from Celery, that's got to be kept, and I understand now - I don't know officially, but I understand from Celery (Walter Dicketts) that he has instructions to find that and to use it for the purpose only, to get agents, explosives and any messages to England, until the radio is in stand.

Now the next thing, which I think is very, very important. I didn't know that Celery wasn't in Lisbon at the time (AOB, he more smartly arrived via the more easily obtainable sea way via Gibraltar). I do know he was a day before we met, and they knew he was there. Immediately I met Celery - I met him casually in a hotel - I said "I suppose you just have arrived". Well I know now he had arrived the day before and had been out that night.

Q. That would be a week or two after you arrived? (Owens arrived by aeroplane whereas celery by boat toe Gibraltar)

Q. You (Arthur Owens) left on the 14th February. That would be about the 24th February approximately.

As soon as I got hold of him I had a talk, and said "These people know all about it, and it is very very dangerous. I'am in a very dangerous position". I said, "What do you think about it?' he said "I think it will work alright". I said, "you understand I'am 100 % for the Doctor?" (Major Ritter) and he said "I am with you, and with them 100%". Right. Immediately he arrived in the Hotel and checked in, I took him up to my room to give him a drink, because he was all in, and had a nasty trip. He had'nt been in the room more than an hour when telephone call from Douarty came (Duarte) ( = Hans Doebler).

Oh, the previous night the Doctor had waited over and waited over and had given up several important appointments in Berlin and Hamburg specially to meet Celery (Walter Dicketts) (the latter was then not suspected), because he said he's an important man and I must meet him. Anyhow, the night before I saw name made invisible I shook hands with the Doctor (Rantzau the alias of Major Ritter), and he went back, or is supposed to have gone back, as far as I (Arthur Owens) knew.

After we had in the room an hour this telephone call came through from Douarty, and he said, "The Doctor decided to stay over to meet him and he's stayed on, as it's necessary to meet him". Well now was it that evening - yes it was that evening. A meeting was arranged in another apartment with the Doctor (Rantzau; alias of Major Ritter). They went through all the details there, and he told them that he had been told that when he got back he was going to be given a staff appointment in the R.A.F. He told him that, and that he was to be decorated with the O.B.E.

and God knows what. he told it when I was there, that he was going to have a staff appointment with the R.A.F. and that he could be of tremendous use to them in this way. That was that night. And then they went through all kinds of details about the different things - wasn't listening as I wasn't interested.

The name's changed round to Doebler ? because of Douarty's dead. He died a week ago.

Arrangements were made for Celery (Walter Dicketts) (KV 2/674) to go to Germany on the Friday. (He was exceptionally well treated there!)

Q Where did the suggestion come from? Did it come from you or did Celery put that up himself?

I don't know. I knew nothing about it, because they were talking together. Anyhow, later on ~~Tobel~~ Doebler said to me : "You know how Celery is going?" I (Arthur Owens) said: I haven't the faintest idea. "We are having a special Embassy car to pick him up at 6 o'clock" he said "We've got a German passport for him he will be Dunkler or something, and we'll take him through to Madrid and he'll fly from Madrid to Berlin. (AOB, up to April 1945 an regular airline connection with Germany existed; maintained by Lufthansa)

And he went to Berlin, and he had an apartment Adler (Adlon?) Hotel (likely the best Hotel in Berlin opposite the 'Brandenburger Tor" which I (Arthur Owens) have never had. He went to Hamburg, and he had the best Hotel there (Vierjahrerzeiten?) (https://hvj.de/en/home.html) and he was treated like a king. It was remarkable to me (Arthur Owens) I though it damm funny.

Then he had a man come back with him. A man called George (Georg?) (Georg(e) Sessler KV 2/528) whom I (Arthur Owens) have met in Hamburg. He came to Lisbon with him (Celery; Walter Dicketts) and stayed there till Tuesday. He left Tuesday and this man George (Georg?) was telling me (Arthur Owens) all these things, you see.

I said to this man Celery (Walter Dicketts), You have had a marvellous time!" He said: "Of course I've had a marvellous time. Why not?" I (Arthur Owens) said "By the way, did you get any money?" "I (Walter Dicketts) got £2000" he said. "The other man got £450 and he is to call on another on me (Owens or Dicketts?) for £5,000 for what he requires.

Yes, they stayed in Madrid as far as I know, two days, then he (Dicketts?) came onto Lisbon. They had a special car to meet them at Madrid (Walter Dicketts still possessed a German passport), and bring them back.

I went up and saw your man at the Embassy (The KO Portugal (Abwehr) Office was just adjacent to this premises), and he warned me about certain things, and told me what had happened, and he told me that they had got information through one of the German agents, that a cable was sent from Madeira to this effect; that they wanted to get all information regarding a ship called "??esado" because one of their best men was on it, who had given them a lot of information. You see, this was.? Celery who was a major in the Air Force, They added that in the telegram. They told me (Arthur Owens) themselves they knew about Celery in Germany alright. They knew he was there.

Now when Celery (Walter Dicketts) came back to Lisbon (after quite some time) he said "You're going to get a decoration". I (Arthur Owens?) said "What for?" I said, I don't need any decorations. He said that was the situation. "You're going to get a decoration" he said, "and I get a staff appointment". I said "I don't want a decoration". Well, he said "The point is this should be done. I'm hundred per cent for the Doctor. Are you hundred percent pro-Germany" and so did be. (quite lunatic story) He's an extremely dangerous man. very dangerous; he's money and he takes dope.

AOB: I must admit, that reconsidering (Obst. but at the time still Major) Ritter's book [5] : Deckname Dr. Rantzau; Die Aufzeichnungen des Nikolaus Ritter, Offizier unter Canaris im geheimen Nachrichtendienst; 1972 - ISBN 3-455-06335-7

I couldn't re-find just the according paragraph dealing with Arthur Owens, alias Johnny's, acknowledgement to Major Ritter - that he was also a British Secret Service double-crossing agent.

However, as this endeavour is mainly dedicated to Arthur Graham Owens, this is, in my perception, a sound point to publish first what happened in Lisbon in February / March 1941.

What is evident, not from the British files, that Major Ritter had been in some way or another from Ast Hamburg; and being sent to North Africa to joining endeavours on behalf of Laszlo Almásy.

Q. Now, when did he came back to Lisbon? Do you remember that? How long was he away, in fact?

He was away about two of three weeks. he left on the Friday at six o'clock in the morning. I know it was a Friday morning.

Yes, about three or four days after he arrived. he arrived approximately a or ten days after me. So it must be the 28th February (1941).

Part of the time. My temperature was 104 (40° C) and the doctor said I had to go to the hospital. Nobody speaks English in Lisbon. Eventually I got a young lady to look after me, but still fell like Hell, all the same.

But the point is this what I can't understand. he was supposed to have caught the Lisbon fever, and couldn't this and that. But always he was at night to Estoril and asked me for 100 escudos and I knew he had a thousand escudos on him. He's (Celery = Walter Dicketts; KV 2/674) had a lot of money for something, what it was for I don't know. He must have got it from other people . He didn't have much when he left. He had only about £10. Anyhow, I told him about different things.

When I felt a bit better. What his name - Douarty (Duarte) ( = Hans Doebler), said to me: "We'd like you to go to Serra del something, which is 30 miles from the Spanish border (Serra da Estrelle). We'd like you to go up from the rest into the mountains to a place called Serra da Estrella". And he said "We'll contact you there and we'll probably have some work for you.

Well, I didn't go, because your friend at the Embassy said "Watch your step". So, anyhow, before I left I saw a couple of days (??) and he said "You know what happened up there?" he said "There's a large propaganda up there". I said "I'm sorry I didn't go". That's why they asked me to go.

Well, I said I didn't know what to do. I was waiting for Celery (Walter Dicketts) and I didn't want to go to the mountains, out of the town. I would also have to leave Celery and I didn't want that. I said: "I'have asked you for a report on Celery (Walter Dicketts), and Douarty (Duarte) ( = Doebler) said he knew nothing, and only knew when Celery (Walter Dicketts) arrived (via Gibraltar) in Lisbon, and he said to me "celery is in Madrid and he'll be on his way tomorrow". That's all I know about it.

When Celery (Walter Dicketts) arrived he said that he had been in company with Doctor Schacht's (the former Reichsbank President (Treasury) secretary (Q. That's the financier? I suppose so) (AOB: I highly doubt it; because Schacht was no longer in charge of the Treasury!) and he'd been in touch with Goebbels' (with that type of Nazi?) secretary, and had given them dope on improving their propaganda over there (more in the line of von Ribbentrop's Aussenministerium), especially over the radio (a mutual endeavour), and that he'd had a proposition right from headquarters and that I've got to go with him to see Winston Churchill (rubbish!), and he said "I won't give you the dope now, "but that's all I know from him, that I've got to go with him to see Winston Churchill and get the war settled! (Germany had not yet invaded Russia!) He took some papers up the Embassy and got them sealed at the Embassy in Lisbon. They wanted to see what the papers were, and he (Celery; Walter Dicketts) wouldn't let them, as he said they were top secret. "He said "We must go back immediately, even its a case of a special plane." What the position is haven't the faintest idea - I don't know.

He's got particulars about a new secret weapon which will finish the war in two days, if its used. He (it) has certainly been placed in Germany. I'm absolutely positive he's got into places I've never been asked to go, and never saw. I have an extraordinarily good standing over there, as you know, but I've never had treatment like that, and It's most extraordinary to me, that a man like Celery (Walter Dicketts), who comes straight from the blue has no hesitation in the world, after knowing what he told me, and what I told him, that they knew, about me (Arthur Owens' double-crossing) and himself, no hesitation at going to Germany. I should never have gone. But there was absolutely no hesitation right through. The man's a double-crosser and he cannot be relied on. Take it from me, he's working for Germany.

Q. Snow (Arthur Owens) thinks it's important that Celery (Walter Dicketts) should not know his side of the story.

And definitely nothing about these explosives. He must know nothing about it. That come from the other side of the organisation, run in Lisbon by a man called Don Rigo (likely an alias). I had two very long meetings in Estoril in extremely large places, and I gave all the dope to the man in Lisbon, and he is checking up on that.

There's another thing, very, very important. Sunday, last Sunday, the 23rd March Celery (Walter Dicketts) said to me, he said, "I am going to Estoril today". I said, "that's fine, I thought of going out too. I met some people here and I thought I'd them out for a run". "Well he said, "how are you going out? I'm taking a special car out there, '"so I said, "Would you mind taking these people, because I am going with them and Douarty (Duarte) and he's going to leave me there, and this man George was going to stay with me (Arthur Owens?) (punctuation?). We arranged to meet at the Atlantic Hotel in Estoril, and celery said to me "I've got an appointment with the Doctor Rosso". Dr. Rosso, as far as I know is the same of the German Admirals in the last war, a very important man in the diplomatic service in Lisbon. He said he'd like to see you and I said "O.K., I'll come up with you" and we went there, and I had a drink with him, and he said I'd be interested if you will come and have a dinner with me. So I said I've other arrangements, so he said "Mr. Celery (German alias: Jack Brown) (all of this kind of references thanks to [19], but in accordance with Deckname Dr. Rantzau [5] Major Ritter's book of 1972) is coming up here and is going to Lisbon to re-listen to recordings of Goebbels' speeches. This was his house. He said "There's lots of things I want to talk over with Celery (Walter Dicketts German alias Jack Brown), and I have some special packages for Celery here, sealed by the German Diplomatic Staff, to hand over to him (Celery) tonight. Celery was there the whole time. Well, we had a drink and I went back to see these people (whom Owens met in Lisbon). Anyhow, Celery went back there and he stayed there until 11 o'clock alone. That's all I know about this Dr. Rosso, but he's a very important man.

During the time Celery (Walter Dicketts, German alias Jack Brown) was away one of their important man arrived from America on the American Export Line boat Siboni. I met this man by accident. I was in the Imperial Tavern in the Avenida in Lisbon. I was just walking out of there, and Douarty (Duarte) was walking in. I took no notice at all. I walked in the afternoon and met him there, and he said "Come on downstairs and have a drink. I've got a friend I want you to meet. So we went downstairs, and were along in the semi-basement, and he introduced to this man, and this man was → (page 12)

bringing papers over from America and taking them back. I got a description which I gave to your man in Lisbon. Douarty (Duarte) told me (Arthur Owens) how he fooled the authorities in Bermuda where the papers were kept. Then few days afterwards I met Douarty (Duarte) again, and he said, "Look I want to meet you at five to five". I asked him when he was going back, and he said "Well, you know, there's something big breaking, and until Celery (Walter Dicketts, German (Major Ritter's) alias Jack Brown) comes back I'd like you to wait. I believe he said at the time "We're moving into Greece any time after the 21st (March1941). If it does develop there it will develop from Gravesend South (?). So keep yourself prepared to beat it. That's our main attack and be prepared to beat from there". At the same time he (Duarte) said "I'm going to meet a man from Hamburg at the Imperial Tavern". So I left him, and at once I went to your man (Celery?) and I said "I want somebody to follow Douarty (Duarte) into the Imperial Tavern at 5 o'clock, and find out who sits with him, and what happened I don't know, because I haven't seen him since.

No. Anyhow, they sent two men down, and gave them the description of Douarty (Duarte) and they should have found out who it was, and I don't know, because I didn't enquire.

No, this was before he had returned, in the three weeks I was there myself. I could only just about manage to crawl round.

Douarty (Duarte) (Hans Doebler) gave me another telephone number to get in touch with him, which I gave to your man (of S.I.S.?), and they will check it up. (Telephone number given as that of Tobel (Doebler, 42518) (T29) (T29return) ↔ (Doebler was at some time heavily involved with Biscuit (alias of Sam McCarthy) In the meantime the night but one before I left Douarty (Duarte) and met at the Gardia and this man George.

Q. At the Gardia? A.A. kind of cabaret, run by them (the Germans?) of course. He gave me then another address to get in touch with him at. I was supposed to get tablets of a new secret ink, which I haven't got. (AOB: a reason might have been, that it was known that Owens was in direct touch with M.I.5). But he gave me a flashlight which contains time clocks. That is, in an explosive. You fit a detonator, and I have a lot of them in soap. You fit it on and you set this time clock.. The detonator explodes and the whole factory goes up. Or you can stick in a stick of dynamite and destroy reservoirs, and so on. He also Brought me another set of pen and pencil. (AOB, all this in someway or another must have been initiated by Dr. Rudolf Blaum - alias Baumann or Bodo, Leiter Referat II (sabotage and later stay-behind) (KV 3/174) They are perfectly harmless. You do certain things with them and - up she goes!

There's another man in Lisbon, an Irishman, who is wanted here (in England) and in France by the police. He is (Edward Patrick Nolan, KV 2/3647 - KV 2/3648 - KV 3649 PF 61198). They asked (representative of S.I.S.?) me to make arrangements for him to work in Ireland, where he (Baumann or Doebler?) want to send a lotof agents/ He (Nolan) has one child in England and two in France and he had to run away. He arrived in Lisbon and he is getting two pounds by the Repatriation Committee and is trying to get back to Ireland. He is an Englishman (due to his birth) on an Irish passport, and was born in Plymouth. (Pat Nolan) They have arranged with him that he goes to Ireland and his wife and two children with him, and I (Arthur Owens) have to contact him there (Ireland) and send agents through. Failing that they will send agents by this boat, coming across from the Channel Islands. The agents will then go from this country (England?) to Ireland, but they will send agents, if possible from Spain to Ireland. (Ireland was on good diplomatic terms with Germany) Otherwise I (Arthur Owens) have to see they get through from here when they arrive from the Channel Islands.

The man's name is (Desmond) Patrick Nolan and his wife and two children are with him in Lisbon. One child is in France. I've got the address of his sister and his brother, who is something to do with an aerodrome. (see description towards end).

Yes, I am to see his sister and his brother, and tell him that I am sending agents? and that they are alright, and they will arrive in Ireland at such and such time. Just write to him ordinarily.

I don't know, but they're going to be in the game. In any case there is something suspicious about the sister, because she obtained a fake passport for him to get out of this country.

Meltry or Celery?? was very interested, but I told him nothing. Monday or Tuesday night got got hild (hold?) of this man's (Nolan?) wife and took her out, but he didn't get anything from her.

Well, he wasn't told by this man George, so I thought it wasn't my business to tell him.

And there's another point. There were four German girls in this cabaret, They're anti-German. They have been sent out of Lisbon by the German authorities through the civil police. Your man (S.I.S. / M.I.6) was down with them, and had a long talk with them. I said I was there last night. He said "It is interesting, wasn't it?" and I said I had not noticed anything or see anything. so he said "Do you think it's possible that these girls work for us", and "I don't know. I am not sure". I said "Would you like me to see what I can do?" So I had a long talk with her and she said "Oh definitely, I would very much like to work for your"? I said "Were are you going to?" She said "I'll put these girls in a cabaret and can get the dope from their contacts, who are lots of them soldiers". I got a photograph and the address she is going to Paris, and I sent it on to your man (S.I.S.?), by mail.

I went down next night to the Acardia and (name made invisible, which directly is pointing at S.I.S. practice) and way with me, he said: "You've been doing something about this girl Ruth (a Jewish name?), Haven't you?" and he said "Isn't she going to do something about getting information for the British in Paris?" I said "she has given me an address where I can write to her", I said "you're crazy. She likes me, because I've bought her champagne". So I want her to get in contact with Lisbon, because Celery (Walter Dickitts, German alias: Jack Brown) knows something about it. For God's sake don't get any man to contact her in Paris at that address. She'll work alright, but he knows that address for some reason. he told me that she had been working for the French Services (Deuxieme Bureau) Mr. Henry was the man.

I've told you all the light spots now. The thing is to find out what he's got in these sealed packages he (Celery?) brought with him.

Q. Well, that's all been taken off him. He'll rund that side of the thing, and if you got to see Winston Churchill, you can go.

Now he said "We've got to get back there in a week or a month. Celery (Walter Dicketts, German alias Jack Brown). On this particular thing, and he said "I'll see that we get the women out. In any case they'll be away from air raids. And what the big stunt is I don't know, and he knows a damm sight more than I ever thought he knew.

He showed me nothing except Polish propaganda and anti-Winston Churchill propaganda. That's all I know about it, but he's got something extremely important from Goebbels and Schacht (The former Reichsbank president? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hjalmar_Schacht).

He told me about the Doctor (Major Ritter), and said the Doctor's best friend is and the only he was to look to is Göring (AOB: Major Ritter was Referat Leiter I L at Ast Hamburg, thus Luftwaffe headed just by Göring). I said I did not know, did he tell him that. "Well," he said, "I know it". I said "I didn't know he was such a big nut". "Yes" he said, "The only man is to account to is Göring. "Well," I said, "That's nice for me. The only man I am responsible to is the Doctor (Major Ritter)". (AOB: what no one might have known at that moment, is, that Major Ritter was already engaged at a totally different job in North Africa, for the time being, and assisting matters in North Africa in conjunction with Laszlo Almásy) Anyhow, I got £5,000 out of them and an extra £5,000 for my loyalty (albeit that Ritter had discovered that Arthur Owens was double-crossing him on behalf of M.I.5.) Actually, it's more than that, because I have very heavy expenses in Lisbon, approximately £10,000. Celery (Walter Dicketts) is a most expensive man. He said I had to go out and buy gold watches and bracelets for him and for me and for his wife and for my wife (Lily Bade; Owens' girlfriend?).

That man is a double-crosser, an extremely dangerous man and, what's more, who ever got the most money he'll work for him (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Dicketts). I mentioned to you about that and to your man in Lisbon, before I think it was before, Celery (Walter Dicketts) arrived. We had a long talk about it. No, after he arrived in Lisbon, and had left for Berlin. I had a long talk with your (S.I.S.?) then and asked him what he thought about it, and he said "To be perfectly candid, I don't think we'll see that man again, and I said "I think you are right". Well, "he said, "he told me about a telegram and what he heard," (punctuation), he said, "that man's very anxious to get out of the country, and he's going to stay where he is". I said "I 've enquired from Douarty (Duarte) for four of five days now for report from the Doctor (whom was no longer actually in charge!) regarding Celery (Walter Dicketts), and there's no reply". He said: "I'll see about that, and if there's any danger we'll get you out at once". But we both of us never thought that the man would ever come back again, but he's come back and with something important.

I said to Douarty (Duarte): "Don't you think I ought to go back?" and he said: "No, wait here till the time is ready, because there's something big going on", and its definitely that Celery (Walter Dicketts) has got. All I know is what he's told me. It's something that's going to blow the whole works, in his words.

Of course he isn't playing straight, because the first time I met him he was a hundred percent for Germany, and when he came back he was more. He said "There's not the slightest chance for England". He'd been in shipyards, aerodromes, aeroplane factories and so on, and I am positive no man I sent over myself to them could do that. I couldn't do it myself. Why should a perfect stranger be treated like that? Have a two-room suite in Madrid? It doesn't sound right to me.

George (Georg Sessler). George with which he (Celery) went to look after him and to take him wherever he wanted to go, and he went places on his own without George.

Incidentally, this man George is coming to England. I've a full description of him (see towards end)

Q. May I (AOB: I could not determine whom was responsible for this interrogation, I doubt that TAR have done it) just go back over a few points? you arrived in Lisbon and you went to the Metropole? Would you tell me about the meeting there.

The doctor (Major Ritter) said to me as soon as settled, "I've got something important to ask you". I said "What's that? He said "That I've information that your in contact with the British Secret Service". I said "That's perfectly true". He gave me no indication he knew that. After meeting Douarty (Duarte) (Hans Doebler) said to me "We were always suspicious of Biscuit (Sam McCarthy), and he was written to us two letters in secret ink. The last one in January. That's all. Whether it was him I don't know, but something has blown the wak s??

The Doctor (Rantzau = Major Ritter) said he had information that I was in contact with the British Intelligence. I don't think he'd know it more than a week or ten days, by the way he spoke. It was evidently something new and I'am sure he didn't know it long. In my opinion by the way he spoke, not longer than ten days at the outside.

(AOB: the fault was within the M.I.5 organisation! How was it possible that Arthur Owens could manage to obtain a passenger ticket whereas their was a shortage and a waiting list? Celery was sent by ship to Gibraltar first.

I told him at once "Yes, that is true. That is why I've come here. Something evidently squealed on me about two and a half months ago, and I had to do what they wanted, and, if possible do this work for them and to contact you (M.I.5)

He (Major Ritter) was very pleased with the attitude and said "We can manage to manipulate that, because we've also had a man at the Army Headquarters, It's very interesting and rather important to know that we've got our own man inside, working and they don't know it.

British Headquarters. I don't know whether in France, but I think, from the way he spoke, that it was. It's far too dangerous to ask details about that.

Then we talked about how (Owens' girlfriend) Lily (Bade) was, and I (Arthur Owens) took photographs out and showed them, and he said his (Ritter's) wife (Ritter's former secretary) wanted to be remembered to me, etc. And it was just general conversation.

It was the first that came into my head. I was so surprised. He didn't try any fough stuff, or anything at all. I think he must have known at least a week or ten days, because he had this idea worked out about this radio business and so on.

Q. How did he put that question to you - that they knew your messages were fake? (which they were mainly)

He didn't know they were fake. he asked me about the radio messages about that George (Sessler) (KV 2/528) something who went to America, and you mentioned it, and it was perfectly true.

He (Major Ritter): "When we get the radio (W/T), then you can use your men in South Wales to get the dope for the messages on the new transmitter.

I told him that everything that came through was true, and I was sure about that, because everything had been checked up.

No, not at all. I'm absolutely positive he had direct information and somebody had given it away. It was in the fact that I've known him so long, and that there's been no fake messages gone through, that the works haven't gone up.

Q. Then the first conversation you had with him (Major Ritter?) was on purely general matters.

Yes. he said "You have had a long trip and we'll meet again tomorrow, so you must have a rest. Douarty (Duarte) was the only one (else) there.

I met him again at another place the next day. The next place was a flat, another flat. I can't read Portuguese, but I can give you a direction easily on the map. I gave your man (S.I.S.?) in Lisbon a direction and the telephone number.

The Doctor (Major Ritter) and Douarte (Duarte) were there then? Douarty (Duarte), as I told you, has got another name, which he gave me the last night before I left; another address. The address I had first he may or may not be at. But this new one I can always get him.

I (Arthur Owens) said: Celery (Walter Dicketts) has all the dope and, "I said ... I definitely built him up. I told him all about his past history; he said "I quite understand. I know it all".

He was pleased in this respect, that he put off several important appointments in Berlin to meet him, so he (Major Ritter?) thinks a good deal of him (Celery).

There's some dope between him and the steward on the boat (with which Celery (Walter Dicketts) travelled from England to Gibraltar?) not the skipper. The steward, a man called Bert, and that your (S.I.S.?) in Lisbon told me; the Consul had a report from the skipper of the boat, the Casado, that Celery (Walter Dicketts) had told him (the skipper of the Casado) that he had a very very important mission, and he had reported to the (British) Consul.

Last time I was in the Consulate with Celery (Walter Dicketts) about the papers he, the man said something about being a very important mission?" Celery (Walter Dicketts) said "Nom headquarters phoned up from Liverpool and told them they must look after me, because I was on a very important mission.

Whether they did nor not I don't know, but that's what he told your man (S.I.S.?) in Lisbon and the Embassy.

Q. Now, this second meeting with the Doctor (Major Ritter); you were building up Celery (Walter Dicketts, [5] German internal alias Jack Brown) and handling certain dope?

I had nothing to hand over, much because I said I had given it to Celery (Walter Dicketts). Celery said to me "I (Dicketts) am going to spill it "but I said "I want you to do one thing; that is not to tell these people, if you would like to, about the routes of the convoys that you have got. You've got all the routes, and maps; for the sake of those poor devils on those boats, don't do it!" That's all I told him. He had all the routes and convoy, but I don't know where he got them. He told me he had them, but I never saw them.

We discussed, in the second meeting, this radio affair, that I am supposed to send (name removed as to make it invisible) (typically a S.I.S. practice) to get, to arrive in South Wales. He will put up a white flag about 20 miles away; get in touch with the first German officer and say they want to get in touch with the Doctor Rantzau (Major Ritter; [5] albeit that he effectively had been no longer connected on to Ast Hamburg, but engaged in secret operations on behalf of Laszlo Almásy in North Africa) or military Command at Hamburg (Real Head of Ast Hamburg was: Kpt.z.S. Herbert Wichmann). The Doctor (Major Ritter) will come to the Germans, if he ? is there. (AOB: Arthur Owens isn't quite clear in expressing matters)

I don't know the Channel Islands. Anyhow I told him as far as I know it was approximately 60 miles away - whichever you can get to. He said all instructions will be left there, under those conditions They must go there, put up a white flag, land, see the first German officer, notify immediately Dr. Rantzau (if so, meant Major Ritter's successor) at Hamburg that they have to come from me and that is all. (AOB, in my perception a lunatic endeavour)

I think I suggested the Channel islands as a meeting place. I said that (name cut-out of the paper) (likely a Welsh person) said to me that he had a boat, and was prepared to go across to the Channel Islands for dope, and could do that.

Well, he said: "I am very interested in that, because its one way I have been worrying about, because we've lost many men by parachute". I told him about that man (AOB, who's name had been cut out of this paper sheet, before) I told him about this man who broke his ankle (https://www.cdvandt.org/kv-2-24-27-jakobs.htm) Well he said "We are very dissatisfied with the way these man have gone, and we want to open up some kind of contact where they can get across in safety. We can't go on losing me like this!" He asked about the infra-red man, and I (Arthur Owens) said I thought he must have come down in a canal or the sea. he said "What about this money that was being sent to the postal address?" I said to warn these men in South Wales that it was dangerous. You know that £100 that was sent where I told him, I'd taken precautions that I sent two men up to warn any men who went near there that it was dangerous. Well, he said "He's my best friend, and I don't want anything to happen to him".

Q. Did he say anything about (name cut out, but the editor suggest Summer (Caught German agent Gösta Caroli (Finland or Sweden), M.I.5 gave him double-cross name: Summer (KV 2/60)

Yes, he asked me about him, and I said: "As far as I know, he's beat it. he was very suspicious, and I think a lot of enquiries have been made, and he got wise in time and beat it". And he (Major Ritter?) said: "He's got seaman's papers and I expect we will see him again".

He was definitely grateful for me for it. I gave him practically no information; I didn't bother with that long questionnaire Biscuit ([19] Sam McCarthy) brought back. I said Celery (Walter Dicketts) has everything, I turned all the information over to him".

He (Major Ritter?) said he wasn't sure about Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) (W30) (W30return) because, he said, "I don't like the man, although he's done good work for us in Lisbon (see foregoing link W30) and he said he was very surprised he was able to take that radio. And he was getting so drunk here, he said that he (Biscuit) shouldn't do that in Lisbon. He made himself ~~fidiculous~~ ridiculous and throwing away money. And he said "I was very surprised how he could take that radio back. I couldn't understand it". Anyhow, I thought, as you had sent him out here that he was a pretty smart fellow, and you could help him over the other side.

I didn't seethe Commander. he wasn't there. All the people I saw, outside the Doctor (Major Ritter), were George (Georg Sessler), who I knew; I knew him in Hamburg, but I don't know what his was then.

Q. Did you mention anything about Del Pozo? (Miguel, Spanish journalist and Abwehr spy, code-named Pogo by M.I.5) ([19,p.xi)

Yes, I said we met and went to the meeting (which meeting?). This was about two days after I first met the Doctor, before Celery (Walter Dicketts; who came by boat via Gibraltar) We went out there and he had his meeting about sabotage (AOB, might Del Pozo have been an alias of Dr. Blaum (Baumann) Leiter Referat II at KO Portugal?) , and all these samples which I've got with me. There was an elderly man there, two you man and the Doctor (Major Ritter). They asked me about Del Pozo (Poso?) and I said: "To be perfectly candid, I don't know him. I haven't contacted him. I'm only reading between the lines what I saw in newspapers and so on. I think it's a lot of eyewish". The Doctor (Major Ritter) said something to Don Rigo and then said??" "They don't think much of him. I ran him down, rather. I gave Williams (S.I.S. or M.I.5's man in Lisbon?) complete instructions regarding what he was to do about Del Pozo, to say nothing about him. I said: "here's the report he's given me, which he wouldn't give Del Pozo, because he didn't think much of him".

Q. Did he mention Charlie (Charles Eschborn of Manchester; the photographer) at all?

He asked me about him. He said: "Do you think that Charlie (Charles Eschborn) (is) alright", I said: "I don't know". He said: "If you think it's Charlie (Charles Eschborn) ... We've got his family (at least his brother Hans Eschborn) in Germany ... They rather cross-examined me (Arthur Owens) on who I thought has spilt the beans."

Q. But the Doctor (Major Ritter) must have known who spilt (dropped?). Why do you think he asked you?

I think he wanted to know who I thought, was was the double-crosser (apparently Biscuit Sam McCarthy), because he was a little bit afraid about Biscuit. He doesn't like Biscuit, definitely. He's finished with Biscuit. Douarty (Duarte) likes him (Biscuit?) a lot and Douarty's (Duarte's) girlfriend? likes him a lot too. I met her. She's connected with the International Police in Lisbon, and she gives him all the dope through the police.

It certainly wasn't a leg-pull. He had direct and positive information, and I know the Doctor (Major Ritter) well. He said if I wanted it, here's £50 and I could go back. I said Ï've all the faith in the world in you", but this information has got out somewhere, and from somebody, and I feel quite sure it's within the last ten days.

The Doctor mentioned to Snow (Arthur Owens) that they had been experimenting with the gas-masks which they took from Dunkirk, and he suggested that their secret weapon was in the form of a new type of gas.

I was told to find out about Mrs. Campbell, something to do with Duke of Argyll. Mr Campbell is Intelligence Section, 51th Division. I was to find out all possible about the husband.

This girl Ruth (from the cabaret in Lisbon) is going to stay at the Ostbahnhof in Paris, Soldatenheim. her telephone number in Lisbon was 52478.

Doebler's new name is Antonio Madeira, and the address: rua Sapateiros 95. I have got to write and ordinary letter with any information he wishes to know about agents between the lines.

I heard that a convoy was sunk by the Kaisernaar; one ship was sunk at Shrewsbury and the second at Westbury. One ship carried onions! This was from a conversation in a bar.

He asked me how could contact me, and - I had to think quick - I said he would have to go to (information made invisible) and anybody who contacts me must go to this place. Whoever calls there is to say they want to see Bob. When he sees Bob he is to tell Bob he want to see. he is to tell Bob to make arrangements to see me (Arthur Owens). All this will be at night, of course.

These are the words that go into the message that are fake that are sent over the radio he knows you've got: ...Oh, by the way, they know the British have a wireless station, at Estoril, and they know where it is. They have got a house breaking squad that get into places in Lisbon. They break into offices and so on. The Doctor showed me your cable decoded. he showed it to be and said it could always get all the dope. "Anybody trying to double-cross us is shown up here, he said. Celery (Walter Dicketts) has a report of a telephone conversation between the President of Portugal (Salazar) and some Americans that came over to the British Embassy in Lisbon.

These messages show the messages are fake" "This dope is on the level". or "All this stuff is on the up and up" or "This is some line". This is for this one here (might it concern a decrypted message?) but the other one will entirely be secret. The instructions for the old set he gave me are that it is to shut down one day a week, without informing them of the date. He said I was not to mind what they said about the stuff being no good, and so on. That is only camouflage. They have given me no other channel of communication. The new tablets were not given to me. They say can not be found out. Whether Celery (Walter Dicketts) has got them or not I don't know. The Covtor ?? left instruction with ~~Tobber~~ Doebler (Döbler) that I (Arthur Owens) should have it.

Snow (Arthur Owens) brought back two radio Quartz crystals 6565 kHz and 6767 kHz to be used with the new set, he thinks.

At the sabotage meeting at Estoril there were two young men, Don Rigo and the Doctor (Major Ritter) and an elderly man. It was dark and on the hill. They had some other equipment there, and they were trying to work them out. I said it was lousy (inferior), and it didn't explode, as it didn't last time, you remember. They just instructed me there, nothing more.

The South Wales men are supposed to do the sabotage, and they pick up the explosive by the launch. This will explode anything but to blow up reservoirs or anything like that, you use dynamite with these. They're very interested in sabotage reservoirs, and particularly they're very keen on the steel works in South Wales, Britton Ferry. They asked me again about this munition works at Cardiff - a new one - and they're going to try and bomb it.

I said I had two men left in South Wales, but that the others were being called up, and they said "Please arrange for some more men". So I'll have to pay a visit there, GW (Gwilym Williams) [ref. 19] is D.K. (O.K?). There's no suspicion on him at all, ~~onless~~ (unless?) has said anything about that.

The doctor (Major Ritter) confronted - mentioned the fact that your (Arthur Owens') messages were fake you said ?

Q. That he knew you were in touch with the British Intelligence your answer was?

(P160) (P160return)

His first words to me were that he had something important to tell me, as he wanted me as his friend to tell everything. He said: "I have information that you're on contact with the British Intelligence". I said "That's quite true, and somebody gave me away. That is why I am here now. ("That meant in that order to get over the Intelligence had expedited your exit? Yes.) he said: "I thought there was something, because we found out on the plane that you had priority, and we also know everybody that travels in a flying boat before they land here". I told the embassy about that.

AOB, the Germans watched these kind of mistakes on behalf of British Secret Services (M.I.5); simply "55 St. James" wasn't too smart in this case.

He said "Do you know a Captain Robbins, Roberts, or anything like that?" (Robertson (TAR) head of B.3 later B.1.a) and I said "Yes, I know several connected with the War Office. I know several of both" and I told your man in Lisbon → (page 24)

They know he's working for you (M.I.5) - naturally, because I had to tell them that, because they know about the radio, but Celery (Walter Dicketts) mentioned something that made him suspicious. But it it's quite alright for them to carry on alright. The most important thing is the new set with this Irish business and everything. That's why I wanted a word with you before you spoke to (name made invisible) I told you, I talked to Celery (Walter Dicketts), and he turned over the other side at once. It wasn't just to trap me. He was absolutely genuine and when he went over he went with no hesitation at all. He went over there, and when he came back he was 100% full of it. He said: "The game's hopeless". What's more, he said "I'm just going to start things moving, and meet Churchill", and he said "unless they could get him away, there'd be trouble, and he came back and said he had to make arrangements for us to go away, and if necessary they would charter a special plane for us. What he has on him I don't know. All I've seen is the propaganda on Poland, and another of those Winston Churchill snap(-shots). Outside of that I don't know; he has told me nothing at all.

I didn't bring up the question of the people of South Wales, and the man for Manchester was sent over. How he came I don't know. I've no idea at all.

The Doctor (Major Ritter) said "I don't understand. We've sent a lot of men over and nothing happened. They've gone wrong. There's something wrong somewhere". I said: "I don't know. I just hand your instructions → (page 25) on, and not only have I tried to find out for myself, but my (Welsh) men too.

on, and not only have tried to find out for myself, but my (Welsh) men too. I know" I said, "about the man who came down near Newbury, who broke his ankle (https://www.cdvandt.org/kv-2-24-27-jakobs.htm) (KV 2/224 ... KV 2/27), and who shot off his revolver for help". You told me to tell about that. For South Africa (?) he says he thinks the same thing happened, that he came down in the canal and sank, because he had the radio on him. They're pretty sure about the communication by bout, though. (AOB, too early in time for the Kyloe, which boat dropped Leibrandt about the border between now Namibia and South-Africa; KV 2/924 - KV 2/925)

Do nothing, as a matter of fact, till I've got the new radio. Except see the messages that go on the waves (?) (6565 kHz and 6767 kHz?) from you are genuine (?). If notm just put in the words.

Q. It's quite clear they're not apying (applying?) much attention to the radio information.

I think they are. They were pleased with a lot of stuff that went over, which was quite genuine. They were very pleased with it. I said "That genuine and they said "Yes, that's very good stuff, indeed"" and they congratulated me and they are all the instructions we want you to follow. Richardson (Robertson TAR?) of the War Office, I have just to keep on taking out to dinner, and so on. The other contacts are alright. The ranker who is fed up with his lieutenant and the others (?)

The main attach is coming from Gravesend South. They are going to come after the 21st of this month. As far as Celery (Walter Dicketts), knows, the invasion may take place in England (?) His own personal opinion is that he doesn't think they will attempt an invasion yet.

I know one thing about Mandel. The French Moroccan told me. He knows Switzerland and France exceptionally well, and he is quite pro-British. He said "I don't understand this", he said the best propaganda in the world is on the other (side?). There you see defences and on the other side you see a couple of soldiers. I give my word. I know France and the people. I've met them and if you can hold out another ten months, that the internal trouble will upset the cart for Germany. (What was not yet widely known were the giant preparations going on for the greatest invasion in history - the invasion of Russia on such a wide front-line yet unprecedented) I've heard this throughout Lisbon, and they are all pro-British except the police and the Government.

I have had no instructions about what to do in the event of an invasion - none at all. I will get them on the radio.

Name made invisible as watch says we've got to go back in a month. I've had quite enough this time without going back in a week or a month. Name made invisible (Celery or Snow?) said "I have it all arranged, that you get a telegram, and we get a woman out. That will satisfy you, wn't it" So what he's got I can tell you. By the way he talks he's (Celery / Walter Dicketts) been sleeping with Hitler, and he's been talking in his sleep.

I took the matter of name made invisible up with your man in Lisbon (Williams?), and he warned me (Arthur Owens) (AOB, that so many names have been made invisible, and not manually implemented the regular names, might have been due to a lapse, caused by the one whom at this moment was censoring this file section!) and I (Celery / Walter Dicketts) told him (Arthur Owens) that I'd taken the attitude that I (Celery) was 100% for Germany, and watched ? had said he (Celery) was 100% for Germany, and during conversation 'I'll soon find out. If (Celery / Walter Dicketts) isn't double-crossing us he will tell the Major when he gets back, that I'm a 100% for Germany and trying to buy him. If not, the xxx doesn't say a word about it, I know definitely that he's (Celery / Walter Dicketts) working for Germany" and that's quite true.

Q. In fact, if Celery is working for us, he will faithfully report to us everything that Snow (Arthur Owens) said to him (Celery / Walter Dicketts). If therefore he conceals anything that Snow (Arthur Owens) has said to him (Celery / Walter Dicketts), and in particular the fact that Snow (Arthur Owens) is working for the Germans, and 100% for the Doctor (Major Ritter; albeit no longer engaged at Ast Hamburg but in Rommel's North Africa!) then he himself, (lunatic) must be working 100% for the Germans That is it?

Q. There are a number of things you think (Celery / Walter Dicketts) doesn't know: First, does he know that the Germans know that we know all about the radio?

Yes, because he (Celery) told the Doctor (Major Ritter) about the appointment during the conversation. He asked me "Did you tell the Doctor about the appointment" and I (Arthur Owens?) said "Yes", You see, the Doctor knew all about it.

What did they think was your personal position for the two and a half months between the time you were discovered and the time you went to Lisbon?

(AOB: it is still quite annoying that all names except a few exceptions - being made invisible; I suppose due to change of personnel, maybe with less sense for the value of history!)

I (Arthur Owens) told him (Major Ritter) that then I couldn't do anything nor go anywhere, because I (Arthur Owens) was watched. That's why I had no information to give them, and that (Celery / Walter Dicketts) had got it all.

Q. Do they think that (Celery / Walter Dicketts) had got it all, or that he was watched during this period. (AOB, when Owens was double-crossing then was Walter Dicketts also suspect!)

They don't think he was watched, I (Arthur Owens) don't think. This was the impression he gave me.

Q. They knew that (~~Lily Bade Owens' girlfriend or~~ Celery?) was living with you?

But if you were watched, (Celery / Walter Dicketts) must have been watched, if he (Celery / Walter Dicketts) was living with you.

I didn't have that impression at all. No a bit. He was in Bristol and had all the dope. And I (Arthur Owens) told the Doctor (Major Ritter) he had all the dope at Bristol, and that I couldn't tell him anything about it. (AOB, Owens arrived by plane at Lisbon and Celery arrive by ship at Gibraltar) That I was unable to leave the place (AOB, I suppose the London area where Owens lived)

Q. The Doctor (Major Ritter) knows that (Celery / Walter Dicketts) was working for us?

Yes, and that he changed since he arrived in Lisbon. Whether that impression is true or not I (Arthur Owens) don't know.

Q. I think there's another answer to the question. About the situation regarding the telegram; how can you account for that? That was sent before (Celery / Walter Dicketts) arrived (from Gibraltar).

Q. It doesn't follow that that telegram referred to (Celery / Walter Dicketts; his German cover-name was Jack Brown) [19, p xi]. (AOB, Arthur Owens got by the Germans: Johnny, already about 1935/36)

Of course it did. Who else could be on that boat and a Major in the R.A.F.? And that cable was sent before he ((Celery / Walter Dicketts) arrived.

Q. Well, now let's deal with the people (Welsh men and/or Charlie in Manchester?) who are working for you and what their present position is.

(AOB: apparently the regular Servant returned - as now most names being substituted again)

All I have got, according to what they (the Germans) know over there (Lisbon?), is two men (at least Charlie alias of Charles Eschborn) and a woman outside of GW (Gwilym Williams). These are two (Welsh) men on sabotage and nothing else.

Because I told the Doctor (Major Ritter) they were working on an entirely different section, only sabotage (Referat II), no information. They only do sabotage (such as in Lisbon at KOP Referat II) unless anything important turns up.

Q. But GW's (Gwilym Williams') name appears in your wireless traffic which we know about.

They'll probably go through it, when he gets back, the word (Williams) in Wales is very common.

Q. Quite, but then you say in your wireless traffic "GW (Gwilym Williams) can go" and it can be only GW (Gwilym Williams) they (the Germans at Referat I L, at Ast Hamburg) know.

Exactly, but they've not put any address of GW (Gwilym Williams) in any wireless message. They've only called him (Gwilym Williams) GW (AOB, I don't know yet what particular cover-name he once was designated by the Germans)

Well, he (Gwilym Williams) wasn't suspicious to the him (Major Ritter). Not the slightest.

Q. They must think that GW (Gwilym Williams) is, and always has been, working for us, or that we have got him where we want him.

But the Doctor (Major Ritter Leiter Referat I L, Ast Hamburg) wasn't a bit suspicious about GW (Gwilym Williams). He thought he was perfectly alright.

(Y42) (Y42return) (V169) ↓↓↓ (V169return) (W170) ↓↓↓ (W170return) (X199) ↓↓↓↓ (X199return) (Y180) ↓↓↓ (Y180return) (D200) (D200return)

AOB: I would like, this time, to quote from Major Ritter's book Deckname Dr. Rantzau [5]:

I took the section written by Ritter after Johnny (Arthur Owens) admitted that he was now working for the British Secret Service:

[5, page 317] Quoting from Ritter's post war book, in German language:

Die britische Behauptung, daß Johnny (Arthur Owens) für den Intelligence Service arbeitete stimmt. Aber was die Engländer nicht wußten, war, daß dies nicht nur mit meiner Einwilligung sondern auch mit meiner Unterstüzung geschah. Wenn die Engländer behaupten, wir hatten keinen Gebrauch von ihm als Agent Double (double-cross) gemacht, so entspricht das nicht die Tatsachen. Johnny hat mich häufig um Spielmaterial (chickenfeed) gebeten, damit er seine Stellung den Engländern gegenüber festigen konnte. Da er in Deutschland stets unter Kontrolle war, hätte er auch niemand anders Verbindung aufnehmen können.

Wie die Engländer selbst ganz richtig bestätigen, hat er uns viele wertvolle Informationen gebracht. Sie sagen auch, daß wir schriftliche Informationen für die Marine von Johnny (Arthur Owens) erhielten. Nachrichten für die Marine haben wir tatsächlich von ihm bekommen, aber niemals schriftlich. Alles, was er bis zum Ausbruch des Krieges leiferte, hat er nur persönlich bei unsern vielen Treffs übergeben.

page 319 ..... nein, ich bin fest davon überzeugt, daß er mir gegenüber ehrlich war. Es lag auf der Hand, daß er den Engländern etwas vorzeigen mußte, damit er den damit er sich frei bewegen konnte. .... Aber als ich ihm das letzte Mal in Lisbon Traf (March 1941), stand fest, daß er für uns wertlos geworden war (similarly to the British services), und ich sah mich gezwungen die Verbindung mit ihm abzubrechen.

AOB: What we, on the other hand, must realise, is, that Ritters's book was published in 1972, and - that in some way or another Farago had, at least, convinced Nikolaus Ritter to put his memories on paper. His wife, once a (clever/smart) secretary engaged at Ast Hamburg (Ast-X), had already collected documents and papers during the war - so that in some respect Ritter was able to reconstruct some matters comprehensively.

Nevertheless, inevitably in his endeavour - he thought that the state of knowledge at the end of the 1960s was reflecting a quite complete picture; which we know now it definitely was not yet!

What, in my perception, might have been significant to us, is, that the opinion Ritter possessed, some thirty years later about Johnny (Arthur Owens) - that these weren't negative (disappointing): but were still filled with sympathy towards Arthur Owens commitments; in respect to the personality of Nikolaus Ritter (the Doctor) and his Service (Ast Hamburg).

Q. You told the Doctor that we'd walked in on you, and not that you'd brought us?

Q. But does the Doctor (Major Ritter) think that you persuaded us that you are working 100% for us?

Now, you mean? Well, I told the Doctor (Major Ritter) I said, "The situation is this: I had to work for them 100% or ... And I said I wanted to work for them, because I had to get in touch with you again. And that's why I am here now, because I wanted to talk to you.

Q. Therefore we should allow you and GW (Gwilym Williams) and the rest complete freedom.

Q. As, of course, you are still working 100% for the Doctor (Major Ritter; by the way: whom was proceeded by a successor; as he had moved to Rommel's North Africa endeavours)

You are not watching anybody, connected with me, because I am working 100% for you.

Q. And they are all therefore quite free to carry on activities which we know nothing, simultaneously with activities which we know about?

That's what the secret transmitter's for. It's to transmit information gathered during the time that you think we are working 100% for you. And (Gwilym Williams?) or one of my men fro South Wales will go over and get it.

How? You'll not be in touch with my men in South Wales (AOB, they damm were!). Anyhow, I can get in touch with one of them. They'll then hire a boat go to the Channel island, following the instructions, come back and nobody's any wiser, because they have been having a holiday. (Gwilym Williams?) is free, I (Arthur Owens) am free. (~~Gwilym Williams~~?) has got a boat lying at Dartmouth. Unknown to you to anybody else he goes away from London. he takes un a radio transmitter and comes back here, and nobody is any wiser.

Wash Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) out altogether, because this name is mud this the Doctor (not trusted by Major Ritter). He (Major Ritter) thinks he is a complete mad man. (drinking too much in Lisbon)

Q. But so far as we are concerned, Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) as essential part of your organisation. (a quite lunatic situation) The organisation which we know about. Therefore Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) must go on doing for all the things he should be doing. (AOB: already noticed before that Major Ritter was opposing Biscuit seriously, and M.I.5 was not responding on this aspect at all) (H32) (H32return)

Quite, quite. But as regards the Doctor (Major Ritter), he is washout. Douarty (Duarte) very fond of him. and likes him very much, but the Doctor will have nothing to do with him at all.

Q. So Biscuit's (Sam McCarthy's) position in your organisation only differs from the other people because the Doctor (Major Ritter, once in charge of the endeavour) doesn't like Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). If the Doctor (Major Ritter) liked it would have been alright. (that is how it often goes!)

Q. Now then what about Charlie (Charles Eschborn; the microdot photographer in Manchester)

Nothing. All the Doctor (Major Ritter) about him to me what I thought about Charlie (Charles Eschborn) (similar opinion) if I thought he'd blown the works.

Q. Under whose orders is GW (Gwilym Williams) (AOB, actually M.I.5!) now to work?

Nothing was said about him. Del Pozo (Miguel Del Pozo, Spanish journalist and Abwehr spy, code-named Pogo by M.I.5) ([19, page xi)] Del Pozo isn't coming back, is he. According to the meeting at Estoril (Portugal), Del Pozo is finished.

A different organisation, but anyhow, I think that this man Don Rigo (?), of the sabotage business (KOP Referat II?) He must belong to the same organisation.

Definitely, yes. If anybody is sent over again, they will be → (page 31) contacted after.

→ contacted after. There will be no information about that on his radio. That will be done after the other radio has arrived.

Q. Do they think that we've got Summer (Gösta Caroli; German Deckname: Nilberg (according Ritter's [5] and Nigel West's [19, page xiii])

I don't know. We never talked about that at all. I only said that he got suspicious and beat it. Where he's got to I don't know, so they said "Don't worry about that. He's got seaman's papers and we'll see him again". That's all I could say, because I didn't know any more.

54; It appeared to me that the elderly man was the one that owned the house. All he did was to go around filling up glasses and didn't go into the conversation hardly at all.

The other young men were 26 or 27 with thin faces, light hair, wearing glasses, one of them, German. The other one any nationality, I didn't know- dark and tall Dark hair. They were both about 5' 10" . I never so them again. They appear to be important about sabotage.

Spaniard; dark; round face; 5' 6"; very dark eyes; thin bushy hair; Dark complexion. Definitely not Portuguese.

5' 10" or 6'; hair brushed back, without parting; sometimes wears glasses, horn rims. German, comes from ~~Brazil~~ Argentine - at least, he has been living there a long time. Speaks Portuguese a little (AOB, when he really would have lived in Brazil he would have spoken Portuguese language, at least, quite sound), but not much. Long in face; very nervous, with trembling hands. Looks like a scholar. Either a Major or a Colonel during the last war (1914-1918), connected with the Turkish Army (The German Reich was supplying military assistance including at high leading level; and rather successfully); good teeth; clean shaven; speaks English fairly well. The description of him was given to your man in Lisbon (Mr. Williams?).

Portuguese, with quite a percentage of Moroccan blood; very dark; very prominent nose and receding chin. About 5' 2"; connected with the Portuguese Police looks 25, but is 32; does not live with Doebler; well-dressed; slim; very very dark; can't speak English.

Douarty (Döbler) is rather abstemious (moderate) and smokes cigarettes and a cigar at times. He has good manners and is quite a gentleman.

The girl travelled to Madrid or the Spanish border with ~~Tobbler~~ Doebler, to pick up name cut out of the paper and he met the Doctor (Major Ritter) ~~Tobbler~~ Doebler ?,the girl and George (see below)

Dr. Roso (Ruser) (AOB: Dr. Hans Ruser whom also code-named Junior; he also was a serious informant to the British Services)

Dark hair; thin face; approximately 6'; 40-42; parting on the left; tidy hair; no glasses; German; Speaks English very well; possibly secretary to an Ambassador; dresses well; very nice house, where he gives cocktail parties.

The Doctor (Dr. Rantzau; both concerning Major Ritter Referatsleiter I L Ast Hamburg until somewhere in spring 1941; then was sent to North Africa assisting Rommel's endeavours there)

46 or 45; approx. 6'; fairly well-built; broad shouldered; blue eyes; hair lighter then average; (dark blond), parted on the left; glasses, horn rimmed for reading; round face; full face; fresh complexion; strong chin, though not battleship; clean shaven; slight cleft chin; military bearing; a ~~finly~~ thinly built man. Only characteristic is that he leans back in his chair in an expansive (spacious) way. Speaks English pretty well, with an American accent; speaks a little Portuguese; looks like an American - wears a belt and always an American wrist watch, oval with the faces badly discoloured.

Very athletic; broad shoulders and 5' 10" or 11"; round face; dark complexion; dark hair brushed sight back; full face; typical American, and speaks American; aged 32 or 34; German. I (Arthur Owens) met George two years ago ( before September 1939); at the Hofbräuhaus in Hamburg before the war. I met him in Hamburg → (page 33) when I was with a radio friend of mine called - I called him - Bom.

→when I was with a radio friend of mine called - I called him - Bom. He reminded me of this man, and then I knew how he was. I think he (Georg Sessler) is a sort of personal assistant of the Doctor (Major Ritter) he'd been around all over Germany with name being cut out, and stayed in Madrid and came to Lisbon with him, in ~~Dobbler's~~ Doebler's car and the girl (K34) (K34return), as far as I know.

Major Hird ? I was asked to check on her by Doebler. I understand that she is a newspaper reporter for the delivery for the Daly Mirror (British newspaper) in Lisbon. I was just introduced to her oncem and never saw her again. Her father is Wilfred Hird, Great Western Hotel, Glasgow; She called herself American and is Scotch.

The American courier between Portugal and America is 36 or 38; either a steward or an engineer of the ship - S.S. Siboni; All information about him was given to your representative (Mr. Williams?) in Lisbon.

The Nola'ns were friendly with a Frenchman who was broke. I loaned him some money at the suggestion of Doebler, to see if he could find a man to work with him in Lisbon. They sent a man down to interview this man in the hotel next day, and Doebler said they had found his record was bad as regards themselves, and he was no good.

So he said they must look for somebody else. Anyhow, I informed them at the Embassy (Mr Forley, S.I.S. M.I.6? or Mr. Williams) and they were going to supply me with a man for Doebler, but they were not able to do so. Nolan and his wife came from Nice, where they left their two children, one a year and a half, the other two months. There was trouble with the police and they had to beat it. (AOB, Nice might have been within the Italian controlled part of France) he walked over the Pyrenees with his wife two weeks after she came out of the Nursing Home, and eventually landed in Lisbon. They are now being paid by the Repatriation Committee in Lisbon about £2 a week.

I felt sorry for the man and took him at ... ? Then George (Georg Sessler) and he met. They are travelling on Irish passports and he was born in Plymouth. He is dark with a thin face; a weak character, about 38. He told George (Sessler) what he wanted to do, to get the two children from Nice and go to Ireland. He can't go back to France or to England, for fear of the police. All I know from George (Sessler) was that they had arranged everything and were getting the children from Nice, and were going to send them all to Dublin, where I have to contact them, and where they will work partly under my (Arthur Owens') instructions. His wife is Elizabeth ~~Nolen~~ Nolan; thin faced; 22; dark hair; thin nose; English; very attractive; 5' 3"; slim, born in Monmouthshire.

He got out of England by means of his sister's help before the war, He has been wandering around France, nearly all the time in Nice, ever since.

His brother is: Ken Nolan, 44 Milton Road, Filton, Bristol. He drinks when he has money. (This is Patrick Nolan)

He asked me to get in touch with his brother in bristol, to say that he is alright, and that he is going to Dublin.

I will probably get instructions about him over the new radio. Until then I am to do nothing.

Overend & Smith; 12 Ely Place, Dublin is the address where I can always find where that ism is I get in touch with these people.

Information was received at the end of last week to the effect that Snow (Arthur Owens) and Celery (Walter Dicketts) were returning by aeroplane from Lisbon and would be arriving at Whitchurch on Tuesday, 18th March (1941). It had been arranged that both Snow and Celery should be searched thoroughly on arrival at the port, and accordingly instructions were sent via D.4 to S.C.O. Bristol. Poole was also covered as also was Braunton. It was also agreed that after they had passed through the controls they should be separated and interrogated separately at different places. It was arranged that a staff car should leave London on Tuesday morning and proceed straight to the Regional Officer's office in Bristol and that Mr. Horsfall should take the B.2.a (section of M.I.5) car and be accompanied by Major Robertson (TAR), Mr. Torry and Mr. Dennys of S.I.S. (M.I.6).

We arrived in Bristol at about 2.15 p.m. and got into touch with Major Stratton came down himself to the Grand Hotel and it was decided that we should wait until the following day in Bristol. News was received at 11 o'clock on Wednesday, 19th March, that there would be no aeroplanes leaving Lisbon owing to bad weather conditions, For various reasons, it was decided that the party should return to London. The staff car also was ordered back, Mr. Dennys and myself (T.A. Robertson (TAR) returning in that and Mr. Horsfall and Mr. Torry in the B.2.a car.

On Thursday morning information was received to the effect that weather conditions were much better and that the aeroplane had in fact left Lisbon and that Snow (Arthur Owens) and celery (Walter Dicketts) were on board. It had previously been arranged with R.O. Captain Ferguson, that in order to avoid sending a staff car down from London, he would lend us one of his cars which would bring Snow (Arthur Owens) to London. The transfer of Snow (Arthur Owens) to his staff car was to be made outside the Regional Officer's office. Major Stratton kindly → (page 37)

agreed to take Snow (Arthur Owens) from the Airport to the Regional Office. It was also arranged that Mr. Torry should accompany Snow (Arthur Owens) in the staff car and bring him back to Mr. Bingham's flat at 901 Nell Gwyn Court. Mr. Horsfall accompanied by Mr. Luke were to bring Celery up to a flat at 39 Hill Street where Mr. Luke lives.

At 17.00 hours on Thursday, Major Stratton rang up to say that Celery (Walter Dicketts) had some important information of an operational nature and gave Mr. Marriott the message over the telephone. Mr. Marriott consulted Mr. White with regard to the best way of dealing with this information and it was decided that it should be passed on to me (T.A. Robertson (TAR) as soon as possible. I received this information from Mr. Marriott at the United Universities Club at 5.40 p.m. As it was an open line, it was decided not to take the full information there but I said that I would ring him as soon as I got to Room 055. At 6.15 p.m. I rang him from Room 055 and obtained the following information. celery reports that "Three 12,000 ton transports are leaving the Elbe with troops in the early morning of 28 March. The troops are assembling on March 26th and are proceeding to the Netherlands".

On receipt of this information I immediately telephoned W/Cmdr. (Wing Commander) Byron at the Air Ministry and asked him to pass it on to the operational section. I also gave the information to Lt./Commander Montagu at the Admiralty and the information was given verbally to Lt. Melland of M.I.14. All parties asked what grade this information was and they were informed that we were unable to give any sort of grading as the agent himself had not yet been seen by one of our officers, but that as soon as possible we would pass this information on to the interested parties. Owing to the fact that Celery (Walter Dicketts) had to stay the night at at the Bear Hotel at Hungerford because of the breakdown of the car. No further information was obtainable that night.

The following the brief appreciation of Snow's (Arthur Owens') activities in Portugal which I gave you over the 'phone this morning.

"Friend Snow (Arthur Owens) is, I think, enjoying himself and has, I think, behaved with great intelligence. His present position has rather gone to his head, but you will no doubt bring him to his senses on his return. he has been a useful ally out here and I an sorry in some ways he is going, although I think it is time that we make a move".

I am enclosing a copy of a note which may interest you. I think it is fairly accurate.

I have just a minute heard that a wire has come from Celery (Walter Dicketts) saying that he is expecting to return within a week. It was dated 21.3.41 and was addressed from the Hotel Metropole, Lisbon.

As you will see from the above list, this leaves us with the Tricycle (Disco Popov the playboy) racket, Giraffe, Stork and Lewis.

In the event of Snow (Arthur Owens) having given the show away it is must be assumed that the following agents and Officers are compromised.

Agents Snow (Arthur Owens) is in direct contact with these people.

Celery (Walter Dicketts)

G.W. (Gwilym Williams)

Charlie (Charles Eschborn) (KV 2/454; PF 48283)

Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) no file existing anymore

Summer (Gösta Caroli) (Swedish) (KV 2/60 PF 53123)

Tate (Wulf Schmidt) (KV 2/61 - KV 2/62) (PF 53776)

Snow is in contact with Tate through Summer as Snow (Arthur Owens) was ordered to pay Tate (Wulf Schmidt) £100

Through Tate (Wulf Schmidt) we must assume that Rainbow (KV 2/1066) (PF 55038) is compromised as Tate (Wulf Schmidt) was given his address.

Lieut. Richardson, P.A. to V.C.I.G.S. who was introduced to Snow (Arthur Owens) as his War Office contact just before Snow (Arthur Owens) left for Lisbon (AOB: at what occasion as he was more often there)

Officers.

The following officers are those whose names may have been disclosed to Dr. Rantzau (Major Ritter) by Snow (Arthur Owens).

Colonel Hinchley Cooke M.I.5

Major Robertson (TAR) M.I.5

Mr. Webster - under the name of Lane

Mr. Horsfall - under the name of Stewart

Mr. Marriott

Mr. Price - B.6

Mr. Williams - of B.6 (Lisbon??)

Mr. Burton (when (Arthur Owens) was imprisoned in September 1939, this man operated Arthur Owens' transmitter from his cell.

Mr. Reed

Major (Michael) Ryde

Colonel Simpson

S.I.S.?

dated 21.3.41

My dear Robertson (TAR),

I am afraid I have a rather disquieting news for you about Snow (Arthur Owens).

(AOB: this message might originate from the so often noticed: Service representative (Mr. Williams) in Lisbon, with whom Owens had quite frequent contact)

He (Arthur Owens) saw our representative (Mr. Williams?) in Lisbon on 12.3.41 and told him that he was met on arrival at Lisbon and was told that his employers (The German Abwehr) had known for the past few months that his messages were faked. He did not dey this, but said that he had been found out by the British and compelled to continue (Owens cooperated already for some years; whether truly entirely is another question). This explanation was accepted and he was given him £10,000 and new instructions for further work in this country.

He had also convinced Celery (Walter Dicketts) that he was really working for the Germans because he was worried by Celery's (Walter Dickett's) extreme readiness to proceed to Lisbon. Snow's (Arthur Owens') new instructions involve Celery (Walter Dicketts).

Snow (Arthur Owens) thinks that the reasons for his being found out were the facility with which he was able to get out of England, the poor quality of his recent messages (AOB, here M.I.5 in cooperation with military branches are to blame) and possibly also information given to the Germans by Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). (L35) (L35return)

In the above circumstances, as our representative (Mr. Williams?) in Lisbon rightly points out, there is no object in further delaying Snow's (Arthur Owens') air passage and I hope that he will return here in the middle of the next week.

Yours sincerely,

signature unreadable

Major Robertson (TAR)

M.I.5.

An arrangement has been made with Snow (Arthur Owens) (he was then still staying in Lisbon) that in the event of any agent coming to our notice through him he should receive from us the sum of £50.

PF 45241/S.L.(1) (AOB, S.L.1 might point at Scotland Yard Special Branch)

G.St.C.P./NFSB 9th March 1941

Dear Sturt,

Snow (Arthur Owens)

The detention Order which was made on the 27th May 1940 against the above man has not yet been served upon him (M36) (M36return). The present position is that Snow (Arthur Owens) is behaving himself and indeed proving useful. We do not at the moment intended to take any steps to have the Detention Order served upon him. We are, however, extremely anxious that the Order should remain being and not be revoked, and in the circumstances we hope that the Home Secretary will permit the Order to remain outstanding. W will, of course, keep you in touch with the situation and notify you in the event of our desiring to serve the Detention Order upon Snow (Arthur Owens).

Yours sincerely,

G.Stc. Pikka?

Addressed onto:

A.M. Sturt Esq.

Home Office, section G.2. Div. (foreigners)

Whitehall

S.W.1

AOB, clearly a precaution in the event that Snow's (Arthur Owens') commitments go wrong; and he should be again in-captivated.

In May, 1940, you (Scotland Yard Special Branch) asked that a detention Order should be made against Snow (Arthur Owens), (your reference PF 45241/S.L. (←). The case was an unusual one, in the special circumstances, the order, dated 27th May, 1940) was sent to your service (Special Branch) at the appropriate moment. According to our records the order has never been served; can you please say what the present position is?

I saw Mrs. Celery (Mrs. Dicketts) at the Grosvenor Hotel on 21st February (1941). She was of course very worried because she had not heard from her husband, and also asked me a great many questions with regard to the possibility of his (her husband Walter Dicketts) having to go into Germany. I said that I was not able to give her any definite indication as to whether he would have to go, that this rested entirely with Snow (Arthur Owens) and the Doctor (Major Ritter, Referatsleiter I L, Ast Hamburg). I said I was sure that he would not take any unnecessary risks, but this did not altogether convince Mrs. Celery (Mrs. Dicketts). I explained, however, that this work so far as the Doctor (Major Ritter) is concerned is in this country and not in Germany, therefore it is unlikely that he would be detained there for any length of time. She gave me various points from conversations that she had had with Snow (Arthur Owens) and his wife (Lily Bade, actually his girlfriend) since the departure of Celery. None of these were particularly important and not worth while recording.

(AOB, it is interesting - that Mrs. Dicketts was informed about the fact that M.I.5 was involved, how could she otherwise have had a conversation with the highest officer in charge)

Snow (Arthur Owens) had lunch with Lieutenant Richardson by arrangement with Major Lennox at Criterion Restaurant at one o'clock yesterday. Apparently it was arranged with Richardson to have a dinner that same night with Snow (Arthur Owens) at Shepperton. I previously instructed Richardson through Major Lennox to give Snow (Arthur Owens) some particulars of the personalities of the people with whom Richardson is working. from this Snow will be able to build up a fairly reasonably picture about Richardson which he could take over to the Germans. (when he will meet them in Lisbon, in the next few weeks)

After his lunch party with Richardson, I (likely TAR) saw Snow (Arthur Owens) at my club and there he met Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). We discussed the arrangements for Thursday, 13th. Snow (Arthur Owens) agreed that it would be unwise for him to be present to receive the documents but that if possible Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) should try to establish the man's identity during the course of conversation but only in the event of the man's willingness to come into Biscuits room at number made invisible, 14, Graven Hill. I instructed Biscuit very carefully as to what he was to say and told him that on no account was he to persuade the man to do anything against his wishes. It was agreed that in the event of anything going wrong and this being reported to the Germans during Snow's visit in Lisbon, Snow (Arthur Owens) could put the blame on Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) if that was absolutely necessary. Biscuit gave Snow (Arthur Owens) a very brief outline of what he had done in Lisbon (where Sam McCarthy dealt mainly with Hans Doebler (Duarte) and how he he had built Snow up to both the Doctor (Major Ritter) and Duarte (Hans Doebler).

B.2.a. 12.2.41 AOB: No signature - but B.2.a was TAR's section. However it was, according to the next reference, that it was J.H. Marriott instead.

When I (Mr. J.H. Marriott) saw Biscuit at (number made invisible) 14, Graven Hill, I (Mr Marriott) repeated to him the instructions he had received from Major Robertson - namely, that he was to ask the man if he would like to come in but that he must not in any way to press him, if he appeared reluctant. If the man comes in, he is to ask him -

(a) whether it will be necessary to return the plans to him and if so, how it is to be done:

(b) whether there is any explanation which he feels ought to go with the plans and if some to get the explanation from him.

Biscuit can say that he himself is not a technical man and that in this respect nor is his master, and that any necessary explanations would be appreciated.

Please remember again: that the KV 2/xxxx file series are, with increasing PDF page numbers - the history goes backward in time.

It seems to me essential that Snow (Arthur Owens) should not meet this man - whether is is agent himself or merely a courier. Reasons:-

1. The other (German) side, in their first message, mentioned the importance of not disclosing identity. This shows that they realise the danger of letting different organisations cross one another, and they would surely expect Snow (Arthur Owens) to keep clear of such entanglements if he could. It is true that he answered that the matter was one such importance that he was doubtful whether he could hand it over to a sub-agent, but in spite of this, for his own safety, he should not let an unknown agent get a sight or description of him. In my view he should from the start have emphasized his wish to keep clear.

2. Any action which brings Snow (Arthur Owens) into touch with the new agent ties our hands with regard to future action. We may, for example, be unable to arrest when we want to because of the danger to Snow (Arthur Owens). We might well be in a position when sacrifice of Biscuit was worth while, whereas the sacrifice of Snow (Arthur Owens) would be unjustified.

3. The other side (the Germans) would expect Snow (Arthur Owens) to keep clear if he could. If he shows a desire to avoid contacts of this kind, they would be much less suspicious of him if later such a contact has to be eliminated. As against this, Snow's natural vanity would urge him to be right in the picture himself in order to get the credit if the scoop is a big one. But I think that the "safety first" attitude would be the more effective.

The question of arresting this agent, or of letting him carry on, is more difficult.

1. Suspicion of Snow (Arthur Owens) will not be raised on the other (German) side; in fact, he will be further built up. (AOB, an essentially incorrect judgement)

2. We shall have secured the document, and therefore prevented the leakage - we gain little by raking (clear up) in as well someone who may be only a very subordinate agent.

3. We may be on the edge of another organisation altogether; this can but be disclosed by careful observation and detection.

4. The time - 9.30 a.m. - and the place give the best possible chances for a successful following up. The odds are in favour of the watcher tracking down the agent to his address.

5. An arrest is an irrevocable act which prejudices (prejudgements) future action. If we do not arrest, we can always adapt our plan to suit contingencies (eventualities) as they arise.

6. Snow (Arthur Owens) needs to be kept sweet for his journey to Lisbon, and some consideration should be paid to his views. Incidentally, the belief that Snow (Arthur Owens) will destroy Biscuit's credit on the other side seems to me ill-founded because having given Biscuit address as an rendezvous, Snow (Arthur Owens) cannot now say that Biscuit is untrustworthy. If hw is, Snow is admitting that he has himself made a big blunder in using Biscuit as his sub-agent in this tricky business.

7. If the agent is himself shadowed by watchers from the other (German) side, we may scare the whole outfit by a preventive arrest.

1. If the plans are important, or if the agent is himself an important person, we have a chance of pulling him in which may not recur.

2. Following is always difficult, and however careful we are, we may lose the agent. It is a heavy responsibility to agree to waste a certain opportunity of arresting an enemy agent.

3. If the agent turns out to be merely a sub-agent or even a courier, we can surely grill him efficiently enough to make him disclose anything. It is not probable, or almost certain, that we shall get as much from him, and get it more quickly, by interrogation and terrorization (a dubious practice) than by observation and detection?

4. A positive gain - i.e. the arrest of an enemy agent - would be a useful item on the credit side or our balance sheet just now, and would help its build-up confidence in the value of our XX (= Double-Cross) system.

My own view is that arrest gives us small but certain gain, and that the other plan is really a gamble, undertaken in the hope of bigger but doubtful advantages. My instinct (AOB, in my perception, professional instinct is a valuable asset) would be not to gamble, but to take what we can get now. But I realise that more experienced opinion takes the other view, and that it is more likely to judge correctly on the issue than I can.

As I understand, Cowgill now proposes that we should have the man (Arthur Owens?) followed and not arrested if he can be traced back to his home. On the other hand, if he has not settled by 4 p.m. Cowgill suggests that he should be arrested.. I concur (agree) in this proposal:-

1. By 4 p.m. we shall know if the plans are of value or not, and if this might effect our view as to the advantage of early arrest.

2. If the man is crafty enough to keep on the move all day and not return home until after dark, he is dangerous, and might escape altogether. (AOB, this counters that they think of Arthur Owens) It would therefore be wise to arrest him.

should be considered at the appropriate place in the foregoing reference at page 13

I saw Snow (Arthur Owens) on Wednesday, February 5th, 1941, and went through a number of points with him which have a definite bearing on his visit to Lisbon.

1. It was agreed that he will see G.W.'s (the Welsh man: Gwilym Williams') thanks again to [19, page xii] reports which were submitted by him to Pogo (Spanish double-cross agent Miguel del Pozo). I handed him the microphotographs of G.W.'s (Gwilym Williams) last report, which was not handed to Pogo.

2. He is to meet Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) in order to discuss Biscuit's visit to Lisbon in more detail.

4. I said that I would get, before he goes, the answers for the questionnaire which he was brought back from Lisbon by Biscuit (Sam McCarthy), and the answers to the outstanding questions on the (W/T) traffic.

5. I reminded him (Arthur Owens) that he must be ready to discuss his North Sea trip with Biscuit (Sam McCarthy).

6. I told him to consider the possibility of getting money from Ireland, as suggested on the (W/T) traffic, and pointed out that I considered that this was improtant, and that he must take the whole question up with the Doctor (Rantzau = Major Ritter Referatsleiter I L, Abwehtstelle Hamburg) when he sees him.

7. I gave him a very brief outline of the case of Pogo (Miguel del Pozo), giving him sufficient points so that he could discuss the case with the Doctor (Major Ritter). His attitude in connection with Pogo (Spanish Mr. Miguel del Pozo) is to be one of disgust (revulsion) at their organisational ability. He is going to complain of the inadvisability of sending agents over here and putting them in touch with his men without previously warning him. I think he has a strong case there (AOB, the author isn't yet aware of the ridicule-ness of all his thoughts; as we now know).

8. I very briefly outlined again to him what had happened to Summer (Gösta Caroli, KV 2/60; this quite low serial number points at his significance in the early period of the war) telling him that Summer was run, had had time to get back to his lodgings, take his wireless set to Cambridge, leave it at the luggage office, and send a note and cloakroom ticket to Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) and asking him to → (page 16) (likely a section was made invisible); collect it, and explaining that he had been disturbed, was on the and trying to get out of the country, either from from the East Coast or Liverpool, to America.

collect it, and explaining that he had been disturbed, was on the and trying to get out of the country, either from from the East Coast or Liverpool, to America.

9. I told him to take up the question of the man for Manchester (Charlie; KV 2/454) and the and for South Wales (?). he is to point out that it is very difficult to take houses nowadays and keep them without arousing suspicion, and that if they wish him to do this they must be prepared to work fairly quickly and fulfil their promises.

10. I (TAR) told him to consider carefully what he was going to say to the Doctor (Major Ritter) about Biscuit (Sam McCarthy). This point I think wants further clarify in Snow's (Arthur Owens's) mind, as I feel that he will probably go over here and run Biscuit down, and say that he is no use as far as he is concerned. He must, on the other hand, be careful about this, because Biscuit has obviously created a favourable impression in the mind of Duarte (Hans Doebler) and also the Doctor (Major Ritter).

11. I (TAR) suggested that he might like to have Pogo's (Miguel del Pozo's) receipts for the money which had been handed over to him by G.W. (Gwilym Williams). he pointed out that he did not think that this was necessary.

I saw Snow (Arthur Owens) at my (TAR's) club yesterday. He had bought his ticket and is leaving by plane on the 14th February. He has to be at Bristol on the night of the 13th (in advance). We discussed various points the chief of which were:

1. The affair of 14, Graven Hill. It seems that Snow (Arthur Owens) is rather anxious to be present at the time when the documents are brought to the address. He said that he felt that he should make it his business to be present so that he can give first hand account to the Doctor (Major Ritter) on his arrival in Lisbon. (How will all go so differently!) He also feels that he could probably be of considerable assistance in finding out the identity of of the man who delivers the plans by questioning him during his conversation with him. I said that we should have to consider this point very carefully, and that a final result of our considerations would be indicated to him as soon as possible.

2. The question of whether he can take out his Identity Card and ration Book. As both these documents are in the name of (Owens or an alias like Graham Thomas or Wilson Thomas) there is no reason why he should not take them with him. he can tell them that although the authorities here are very strict about handing these documents in before a passenger leaves the country, that he handed in his cards in the name of of (Owens or an alias like Graham Thomas or Wilson Thomas) which coincided with the name on his passport, and managed to smuggle his cards out. He is, of course, a man who would be in possession of two or three sets of these documents.

3. I (TAR) gave him instructions to have lunch at the Criterion Restaurant on monday, 10th February with Lieutenant Richardson, who is at present → (page 19) Assistant to the C.I.G.S. This had been arranged for us by Major Lennox.

Assistant to the C.I.G.S. This had been arranged for us by Major Lennox. Major Lennox is going to instruct Richardson to tell Snow (Arthur Owens) all about his past activities so that he can get a coherent story which will give Rantzau (Major Ritter) some idea how they met. Richardson himself is ranker, and although Snow (Arthur Owens) cannot ask him direct questions from him during the course of conversation especially Richardson, who is fond of his beer, has had a good deal to drink.

A good deal of discussion centred round the advisability of approaching Samuel Stewart before departing for Lisbon. Snow (Arthur Owens) I think is not anxious to approach him as he says that in his estimation the message "Believe Samuel Stewart to be 100%" is an indication that the Germans are not too certain of him. After discussion with Lord Rothschild (mainly engaged in explosives and that like) and Mr. White today, it was decided that the whole matter should be dropped until until Snow (Arthur Owens) goes to Lisbon when he can discuss it with the Doctor (Major Ritter).

The arrangements relating to the payment of £100 by Snow (Arthur Owens) to Tate (Wulf Schmidt) (KV 2/61 & KV 2/62) are set out in the following messages:-

Please send money to (Schmidt's cover-name used in Britain), Post Restante, Radlett on or after the 10th inst.

Please send hundred pounds to Mr. (Schmidt's cover-name used in England), Radlett, General Delivery, with fictitious address. Mail letter in London on Feb, 11th.

Is it absolutely safe to send money by General Delivery to (Schmidt's cover-name in England), Radlett? Have you the necessary identity? One hundred will be posted in London on the 11th. (AOB by Owens?)

It is absolutely safe to send money if it is registered/ I have my identity Card.

In connection with the infra-red material, mentioned in the Snow (Arthur Owens) traffic, I (TAR) saw Biscuit (Sam McCarthy) at my club on Wednesday 29th. I asked him to keep a watch on any suspicious people night taken an interest in 14 Craven Hill , to take a careful note of their description and also to take a note of the numbers of any motor cars seen to be taking an interest in the same address. I very briefly explained the story too him and he said that he would remain in all day. At the same time I have arranged, without Biscuit's (Sam McCarthy's), to put Williams into a house on the opposite side of the road. He took up his residence first thing in the morning of 31.1.41. I told both of them to report to me daily, by phone and immediately their suspicion be aroused.

I (TAR) saw Celery (Walter Dicketts) at my club yesterday and had a final talk with him. He handed me back the report which I had previously given him to memorise. he also gave me back a questionnaire which had been given him by Captain Cowgill (S.I.S. / M.I.6). He also handed me a report which he had written as the result as the result of a conversation between himself and Snow (Arthur Owens) after our last triangular meeting. Celery (Walter Dicketts) himself is convinced that Snow (Arthur Owens) is both mad and double-crossing us.

I saw Snow and Celery (Walter Dicketts) yesterday at my (TAR's) club (a quite convenient location, as to stay outside the 55 St. James building) from 12 o'clock to 4.15 p.m. The chief topic of discussion was based on the message which had been received the morning before by Snow (Arthur Owens), referring to infra-red. After a great deal of discussion, I managed to persuade both of that there were only two aims in answering the message and they were (1) to try and keep the Snow (Arthur Owens) party going and (2) at all costs to identify the individual who had managed to obtain this information.

Various ways and means were discussed as to how these two objects could be obtained and at the same the best method, from a security point of view, of passing the package through to Snow (Arthur Owens). I went to great pains to impress on Snow (Arthur Owens) that information about the infra-red process was of vital importance to this country and must on no account be disclosed to the enemy. Snow (Arthur Owens) ultimately appreciated this and I am convinced that he will give us the whole hearted cooperation and support in the matter, as in fact he did during the discussion. I put forward the following possible solutions -

1. That he should ask the Germans to instruct their other man to send or bring the letter to an address named by Snow (Arthur Owens), so that he could pick the letter up from that address himself or through the medium of one of his men and have it taken straight to Manchester , where it could be micro-photographed (the man there was Charlie (Charles Eschborn). As time, so far as Snow (Arthur Owens) is concerned, is an important factor, and as the post, even registered post, is uncertain, I managed to dissuade (discourage) them from suggesting that the document should be posted to an accommodation address. I said that he should insist that this material should be handed over personally, either by the man himself or through an intermediary.

2. As an alternative to the above suggestion, I put forward the idea that the Germans should instruct their other man to send an intermediary to a rendezvous with an intermediary of Snow (Arthur Owens). At this suggestion Snow took (Arthur Owens) took → (page 24) → took the view that as the information was of such vital importance both from our point of view and the German's point of view, he would definitely undertake the meeting himself, but before doing so would ask the Germans whether they definitely relied on their agent.

→ took the view that as the information was of such vital importance both from our point of view and the German's point of view, he would definitely undertake the meeting himself, but before doing so would ask the Germans whether they definitely relied on their agent. To this end they definitely undertake the meeting himself, but before doing so would ask the Germans whether they definitely relied on their agent. To this end Snow (Arthur Owens) drafted out a message, a copy of which is attached. I brought this back and it is considered with Captain Liddell , Mr. (D.G.?) White,, Captain Cowgill (S.I.S.) and Mr. Marriott, and it was ultimately agreed that we should send a message over at 8 p.m. on the 24th (January 1941), which runs as follows:-

Informed infra-red stunt vital importance and great hope here. I(?) am afraid employ contact or use mail to get papers. If you trust your friend and he is safe, suggest he put materials through letter box at specified address at specified time when I can arrange to receive it. As time important for me 9.15 tomorrow morning in time for material to be taken Manchester 10.15 train. Have phoned Charlie (Charles Eschborn) standing by (rest made invisible) Reply tonight at -

"Friend in England has secret material re infra-red detector. Can you bring this to Lisbon? How can he be sent to you without knowing your identity?"

Enquiries into this subject at the Air Ministry reveal the following information:-

The committee dealing with this matter is the Interception Committee, and the organisation is in its initial stages in civilian hands.

AOB: might the wording of this message, which I consider different than would Arthur Owens himself have done, might well have been a "warning signal" to the Germans that something is suspicious!

G. Lock Spisea (?) D.D.S.R. (2) Room 5011, Ministry of Air Craft Production telephone ext. 1874 and D.R. "Pye" in Room 5019 Telephone ext: 2260 are two places where information can be obtained.

I understand that the infra red telescope originally borrowed from the Admiralty has been improved by E.M.I. Co. if Hays, Middlesex, and is now of far more sensitive nature then the original. This instrument is fitted to Defiant Aircraft for use with gunsights in order to simplify the detection of → (page 26) → enemy night fighters.

→ enemy night fighters. This it does by showing up through the screens the gasses on the engine or damped exhaust gases.

from what I gather experiments to date are far from satisfactory and it seems that little more and sometimes less can be seen through the naked eye. As a case in point I mention the first flight which took place under fairly good conditions in the area including Wigan St. Helens, Spake, Mersey Side and Sealand, when nothing could be seen through the naked eye, excepting that a faint blue glow could be seen over Wigan with the naked eye which could not be seen through the telescope.

This experiment was carried out/only as a test for infra red screening, but as a test for complimentary lighting in the area.

and it has been proved that above this value some difficulties will come to light;