Political Intelligence Department (1939–1943) facts for kids

The Political Intelligence Department was a special group within the British Foreign Office during World War II. It was created in 1939 to help the government understand what was happening around the world.

What Was the Political Intelligence Department?

This department was set up in 1939, right at the start of World War II. Its main job was to gather information and create weekly reports called "intelligence summaries." These reports helped the British government make important decisions during the war. The first person in charge of this department was a diplomat named Rex Leeper. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.

Changes and Mergers

Over time, the Political Intelligence Department changed. In April 1943, it joined forces with another group called the Foreign Research and Press Service. This service was part of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, a well-known research organization located in Oxford. When these two groups combined, they formed a new department called the Foreign Office Research Department.

A Hidden Purpose

Even after the department officially merged in 1943, the name 'Political Intelligence Department' was still used for a while. Until 1946, this name acted as a secret identity, or "cover," for another important group called the Political Warfare Executive. This meant that the name was used to hide the true activities of the Political Warfare Executive.