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these in a written teport dated Sth Februaty, 1963. (They were in the “terms J have quoted.) It was a pity that Christine Keeler had not been as intended: for if she had been seen, she might well have filled in m important detail (such as the description of Mr. Profumo’s house, or mascot on the car) which would have corroborated her story, and she. might have thrown light on Stephen Ward’s activities. It is a pity. too, tat Stephen Ward was not seen ny. officers of Scotland Yard az intended:. a detailed statement from him at that time might have had “oe consequences. |. geld 90. But nevertheless the report itself of the Marylebone officer nia ne gist of all the important matters. It may be asked, what did Special Branch do about this important report? They did the correct thing. They took it along to the Security Service. The report reached Spscial Branch on Thursday, 7th February, 1963, and was considered by the Commander himself. He at once went and saw a stnior officer of the Security Service. He took a copy of the report and left it with him. He asked two pertinent questions: (a) Was there any security _intelligence aspect which should influence Criminai Investigation Department action? The Security Officer said, No. - {b) Did any duty, lie « on “Scotland ‘Yard to ensure that Mr, Profumo was aware of the. likelihood of publicity? The Security Officer said that Mr. Profumo was aware of it. . 91. The Commander went back and are up this minute: “The facts given in (the report) were already known to (the Security Service) in broad outline. Their principal interest is, of coufse, the Disans nt a4] Russian diplomat, whose identity is Known te them and in whose activities they are taking an interest. Officially they are not concerned with the Profumo aspect, but they do know that Profumo is aware of the position and that such action as is possible is being taken by his solicitors with the newspaper. They believe it to be true that Profumo bi. «-17 sh. Moi. Imingae af the enntieae bat thee dn ant beaw that fae 145 1d Wie ©rimic Minister UE UD Aa LU y UE Re Ll Ate certain. _I think it wise for us to stay-out of this business and (the Security Service) agree.” 92. The upshot of it all is that the Marylebone officers were aware of the security and political importance of Christine Keeler’s and Stephen Ward’s statements, and reported them to Special Branch. No possible criticism can be made of the Marylebone officers. But the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Branch did, I think, make an error in not following up these reports by seeing Christine Keeler, or making sure she was seen, or by secing Stephen Ward. This error was due to an error in co-ordinajion, for which no one individual can be blamed. But allowing for this error, the gist of the information was passed on by Special Branch to the Security Service. And thenceforward the responsibility for further action rested with the Security Service. I will deal with this when I comsider the operation of the Security Service. 29 i Tm inet eee i ct SN tert a