Scandals of 1963

Question 1

Vassal

Answer 1

Civil servant in Admiralty who spied for the Soviet Union. Rumours that senior figures in Admiralty tried to protect him and although no evidence of a cover-up was found, it created distrust

Question 2

Kim Philby

Answer 2

Senior official at the Foreign Office.
- Passing information to USSR and recruiting spies for them. Fled to Russia in 1963 to avoid arrest.

Question 3

Duke of Argyll

Answer 3

1963 - sued his wife for divorce on grounds of adultery. List of 88 names was produced. Rumour that some included ministers and led to famous radio comment from a comedian that she should have married Plymouth Argyll rather than Duke of Argyll

Question 4

Profumo scandal

Answer 4

John Profumo’s liaison with Christine Keeler was a security risk due to her links with prostitution to the Russian embassy. Profumo denied affair in House of Commons, but it became known that he met her at the home of Stephen Ward, and osteopath who treated a number of Conservative MPs. This damaged the party reputation

Question 5

Results of Vassall Affair?

Answer 5

Government could not control departments

Question 6

Results of Philby case?

Answer 6

Government took blame for security failure to identify a traitor in Foreign Office.

Question 7

Results of Profumo?

Answer 7

• Macmillan’s lack of control as Profumo lied in House of Commons.
• Out of touch with reality.