Responses became increasingly centralised, thereby affording a greater role to actors such as MI5 and the Joint Intelligence Committee. Although the violence in Malaya had been brought under control by the middle of the decade, it had been superseded by the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya—which began in 1952. Other potential trouble spots across the empire also flared up, including unrest in Nyasaland and apparent communist subversion in British Guiana. Correspondingly, the JIC in London increasingly acknowledged the growing importance of non-defence intelligence, irregular threats and popular discontent regarding British security. Challenging orthodox conceptualisations of a ‘threat’, the committee urged greater coordination with the Colonial Office in order to ensure that colonial intelligence and security were no longer neglected. It was not long, however, before the intelligence system was seriously tested. On 1 April 1955 an uprising began on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This time the insurgents were EOKA (the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters), a right-wing rebel group seeking enosis, or union with Greece.
What do You think about Confronting The Colonies (2013)?
