British Services Security Organisation (Germany)

The British Services Security Organisation (Germany) (abbreviated as BSSO(G)) was a MI5 sponsored organisation supporting British senior commanders with multi-source security intelligence directed initially at counter espionage, but near the end of its operational life much involved in counter terrorism support.[1][2][3]

British Services Security Organisation (Germany)
Allegiance United Kingdom
BranchMI5
RoleCounter Intelligence, counter terrorism and security liaison with German agencies
Part ofJIC(G)
Garrison/HQJHQ Rheindahlen, Berlin and Cologne

BSSO(G) was the successor of a post-war security intelligence unit to the British Forces Security Unit (BFSU) in March 1954.[4] In 1961 BSSO(G) was refocused on supporting British forces chiefs in Germany rather than collecting at the behest of London.[5]

The first head of BSSO was Major-General Denis Price, CB, CBE. [6]

BSSO(G) had an important role in maintaining liaison with German Federal and State Security Services (i.e. BfV and LfV); in performing this role BSSO(G)'s office in Cologne was vital.[7]

Much of the detail of BSSO(G) operations and relationships especially in the latter stages of its life are still classified[8]

References
  1. Graaf, Beatrice de; Jong, Ben de; Platje, Wies (2007). Battleground Western Europe: Intelligence Operations in Germany and the Netherlands in the Twentieth Century. Het Spinhuis. p. 134. ISBN 9789055892815. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  2. West, Nigel (2009). The A to Z of British Intelligence. Scarecrow Press. pp. 69–70. ISBN 9780810870284. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  3. "British Services Security Organisation (Germany) - Powerbase". powerbase.info. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  4. Case, Simon. The Joint Intelligence Committee and the German Question, 1947-61 (PDF) (PhD Thesis ed.). London: Queen Mary, University of London. p. 174. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  5. Case, Simon. The Joint Intelligence Committee and the German Question, 1947-61 (PDF) (PhD Thesis ed.). London: Queen Mary, University of London. p. 239. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  6. Nigel West, the A-Z of British Intelligence, Scarecrow Press, pp.69-70
  7. Bennet, R & K. "UK Intelligence and Security Report August 2003". AFI Research. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  8. UK, The National Archives. "The Discovery Service". discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
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