Operation Chiffon: The Secret Story of MI5 and MI6 and the Road to Peace in Ireland

Operation Chiffon was a top-secret intelligence operation that helped bring peace to Ireland by involving officers from MI6 and MI5. It has remained hidden for forty years, but is now revealed by legendary BBC journalist Peter Taylor with unique access to the officers involved. The book narrates in first-hand detail how those involved risked their careers and lives to help secure the fragile peace that exists today, and chronicles the history of Sinn Féin, rising from obscurity in the early days of the Troubles to becoming the largest political party in Ireland today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

On the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Peter Taylor delves into the captivating story of Operation Chiffon, the top-secret intelligence operation that played a pivotal role in bringing peace to Ireland. This extraordinary narrative, which has remained hidden for forty years, is now unveiled by renowned BBC journalist Peter Taylor, who has exclusive access to the officers involved. Drawing from exclusive interviews and his fifty years of covering the conflict, Taylor vividly recounts the events that unfolded during Operation Chiffon, which spanned from the early 1970s to the 1990s. The book offers a firsthand account of how these officers risked their careers and even their lives to contribute to the fragile peace that exists today in Ireland.

Operation Chiffon takes us deep into the heart of the top-secret intelligence operation, tracing its roots back to the most turbulent years of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It involved officers from both MI6 and, later in the 1990s, MI5, working tirelessly to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence. The remarkable story, which has remained hidden for decades, is now unveiled by Peter Taylor, providing a unique perspective on the events that shaped the country's history.

Through his meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Taylor vividly brings Operation Chiffon to life, providing readers with a detailed account of the strategies, tactics, and risks involved in this covert operation. He delves into the personal stories of the officers, shedding light on their motivations, sacrifices, and triumphs as they navigated the treacherous waters of political intrigue and armed conflict.

In addition to recounting the history of Operation Chiffon, Taylor also offers a comprehensive exploration of the political landscape in Ireland. He traces the rise.

The story of Sinn Féin, from its humble beginnings in the early days of the Troubles to its current status as the largest political party in Ireland, is intricately woven into the narrative. Taylor provides a detailed account of the party's evolution, its challenges, and its role in shaping the country's political landscape. He sheds light on the complex relationships between the IRA, the British government, and other political parties, as well as the role of the media and public opinion in shaping the peace process.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the importance of remembering the lessons learned from Operation Chiffon cannot be overstated. The peace that exists today in Ireland is fragile, and the risks of destabilization posed by Brexit are real. The book serves as a timely reminder of the sacrifices made by those who worked tirelessly to bring about peace and the ongoing challenges that the country faces in maintaining stability and prosperity.

Operation Chiffon is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a story of espionage, courage, and collaboration, and it reminds us of the power of intelligence and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. It is a story that deserves to be told and remembered, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and the tireless efforts that are required to achieve it.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526659637