Craig Smellie
 Craig Smellie  (spook) | |
|---|---|
Craig Smellie was an MI6 officer in Northern Ireland in the early 1970s. He was a contact of Colin Wallace.[1]
According to the Treasury Solicitor, Smellie "took up his post in January 1973, as Civilian Liason Officer to GOC, with responsibility for advising the Army on all aspects of their intelligence operations, including agent running, and the planning and political handling of clandestine operations."[2]
According to the journalist Paul Foot, MI6 head Maurice Oldfield had forbidden his officers any involvement in assassinations:
- MI6 officers, including Craig Smellie, responded positively to these rules. They were men and women who had served, and expected to serve, in many different countries, and their approach to their business depended on a relaxed, well-informed understanding of the political situation.[3]
Although MI6 has denied that Wallace was employed by them, Wallace claims he was tasked by Smellie on an ad hoc basis.[4]
During 1973, British intelligence in Northern Ireland was reorganised, under a new Chief of Intelligence, MI5 officer Denis Payne. Smellie left soon afterwards to be replaced by MI5 officer Ian Cameron.[5] According to the Treasury Solicitor, this took place in June 1974.[6]
References
- ↑ Paul Foot, Who Framed Colin Wallace?, Pan Books, 199, p.36.
- ↑ Statement of Colin Wallace (3 of 3) (pdf), Bloody Sunday Inquiry, accessed 11 May 2009.
- ↑ Paul Foot, Who Framed Colin Wallace?, Pan Books, 199, p.40.
- ↑ Statement of Colin Wallace (3 of 3) (pdf), Bloody Sunday Inquiry, accessed 11 May 2009.
- ↑ Paul Foot, Who Framed Colin Wallace?, Pan Books, 199, p.40.
- ↑ Statement of Colin Wallace (3 of 3) (pdf), Bloody Sunday Inquiry, accessed 11 May 2009.
