Cold War Checkmate: Operation Foot and the Largest Diplomatic Expulsion in History
Operation Foot, executed in 1971 under the direction of British Prime Minister Edward Heath, marked a significant and decisive moment in Cold War counter-espionage activities within the United Kingdom. This operation led to the expulsion of 105 Soviet intelligence officers from London, representing the largest expulsion of intelligence officials by any government in history. This bold move was not just unprecedented but also sent shockwaves through the international community, including the Kremlin.
The background to Operation Foot is rooted in the escalating tensions and espionage activities during the Cold War. The British government, particularly under the leadership of Harold Wilson, witnessed a significant increase in Soviet espionage activities. The Soviet Embassy and its associated organizations in London, such as the Trade Delegation, became hotbeds for these activities, with staff numbers in these organizations significantly exceeding those in other European countries. MI5, the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, found itself overstretched and urgently lobbied for a strong response against these growing threats.
A key turning point in Operation Foot was the recruitment of Oleg Lyalin, a member of the Soviet Trade Delegation who was secretly a KGB officer. His defection to the UK, following his arrest for drunk driving, provided critical intelligence that helped MI5 identify and confirm suspicions about undercover Soviet intelligence officers not only in the UK but also in other European countries.
Edward Heath’s government was determined to take a stricter stance against Soviet espionage compared to the previous Labour government. Heath’s approach was partly driven by the personal animosity between him and Wilson and the desire to demonstrate stronger leadership. The sheer scale of Soviet officials in the UK, many believed to be on the KGB payroll, was a significant concern. The number of Soviet officials had grown to over 1000 by 1971, the largest in any Western nation.
The expulsion of the Soviet intelligence officers under Operation Foot had significant repercussions. It severely impacted Soviet espionage activities not just in Britain but also across Europe. Many KGB officers were withdrawn due to fears of being compromised, and several senior KGB officers, including the head of the KGB department dealing with Britain, were demoted or sacked. The operation effectively ended what was considered the golden age of KGB operations in Britain, with the organization never fully recovering from this setback.
Operation Foot was not only a major coup for Britain’s security services but also significantly enhanced their reputation. It marked the first time Britain became a hard target for Soviet intelligence. While the operation was largely successful, it did not completely eradicate Soviet espionage activities in the UK, as demonstrated by the continued operations of spies like Geoffrey Prime, who remained undetected during the operation.
The operation’s success was also reflected in its international reception. The British public and allies viewed it positively, and a CIA report from November 1971 described the spy purge as “the most devastating for the Kremlin.” The Soviet response, though predictably hostile, was limited to the expulsion of some British diplomats and a temporary hit to Anglo-Soviet trade relations. However, both sides eventually returned to a mutually beneficial status quo.
In conclusion, Operation Foot stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Cold War espionage, highlighting the intricate balance of intelligence, diplomacy, and political will in a period marked by global tensions and ideological conflicts.
