Please: do not multiply this document, as its purpose is for studying this subject only!
Crown Copyright
KV 2/244 Westerlinck (Weasel) Case
PF 408262
Selected papers from the (alias) Weasel (= Westerlinck) Case Crown Copyright
Page initiated on 20 September 2022
Current status: 4 October 2022
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 (4 October 2022)
Chapter 4
Westerlinck, alias Weasel, was a Belgium medical doctor. (4 October 2022)
KV 2/244-1, page 2 (minute 295a) As to keep Mr. Westerlinck's name secret they, in this document, noticed his cover-name or alias 'Weasel'
During the course of this file, such as at PDF page 8, it becomes apparent that Mr. Westerlinck had been involved with a 'play or game' as to fake his operational status.
The lead of this file being: sending messages by means of ordinary letters.
Crown Copyright
E.1.A/B Miss Lough.
In reply to your minute of 17.4.45 I hope that the following information may be of use to the Belgian Sureté:
Westerlinck is a Belgian subject on the deleted words. He originally chose the army as a career but in 1919 abandoned this profession in favour of medicine. he obtained a degree as Doctor of Medicine at Louvain (Leuven) University and purports to be a specialist in tropical diseases. He has travelled fairly extensively, having been to Germany, France, Portugal, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil and the Belgian Congo. He married a Belgian woman considerably older than himself whom he met in the Belgian Congo, where she was nursing. His wife enjoys some private means of her own and owns certain property in Congo. In 1937 as the result of a breakdown in health Westerlinck was forced to renounce (abandon) his prospects of a career in the Belgian Congo and in August of that year returned to Belgium where he went into private practice, meeting with considerable success. He found, however, that the work was uncongenial (unpleasant) to him and in March 1938 took a post as ship's doctor on a Belgium liner. This life appears to have suited him and at the time of the Belgian collapse (late May 1940) he found himself serving in this capacity on the s.s. "Thysville", which, at the end of June 1940, put into Lisbon from La Palice. Some weeks previously he had been replaced by his assistant aboard the "Thysville", in all probably because his verbal expression in favour of pro-German collaboration and appeasement, etc., which no doubt aroused the ire (anger) of the loyal Belgians with whom he was associating.
It was as a result of his activities in Lisbon at the end of 1940 that Westerlinck first came to the notice of the Security Service. From a number of sources it was reported at about this time that Westerlinck was only pro-Nazi but was acting as an agent for the German Consul in Lisbon in subordinating Belgian seamen and inducing and assisting them to desert from their ships and return to Belgium. Consequently when he arrived in this country (England) from Lisbon in company with his wife on 5.5.42 he was regarded with considerable suspicion and detained on leaving the 'plane for questioning. He was eventually taken to our special interrogation camp (Camp 020) and within a short time of his arrival there he confessed that he was in fact in German pay and had accepted espionage assignments on behalf of the enemy.
Westerlinck is still in detention. His wife, of whom a more favourable view is taken than her husband, is at present employed by the Belgian Ministry for the Colonies in London. It is hoped to deport Westerlinck to Belgium in the near future.
B.1.b./PS. 25.4.45. Sgd. Pamela Stiebel.
KV 2/244-1, page 5 (minute 290a)
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Mr. Wilson, B.1.b. (M.I.5.)
As arranged, I saw Mme. Westerlinck at Room 055 (War room) this morning, and made your excuses, explaining that your were away on business.
She enquired after her husband and I told her that I knew nothing about this case, but that I had just been told that he was in good health and had everything which he required. She asked that the information on the attached piece of paper, relating to the deaths of various members of her family, should be transmitted to him, together with the attached parcel. I agreed to do this.
She also asked that he should be told that he was not receiving letters from her because it was not permitted for her to write to him.
She asked when Weasel (= Westerlinck) was likely to be released, and I replied that I thought it was certain that he would not be released until the cessation of hostilities. She was very anxious that Weasel should not be handed over to the Belgians at the end of the war, as she thought (AOB: rightly) that feeling would probably run high against him. I replied that I had no idea what fate was awaiting him, but that I would refer the matter to you.
She emphasised that she was keeping his detention a strict secret and that in her letters to Belgium she was suggesting that he had a job which kept him very occupied.
B.1.A. 9.12.44 Sgd. H.W. Astor (Hugh W.)
KV 2/244-1, page 6 + 7 (minute 255c)
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Camp 020.
Report dated 23.1.43
A.D.B.1.
1. Will you please refer to B.1.a. (Mr. Wilson's) letter of 18.1.43
Mr. Westerlinck was interviewed yesterday in the presence of Mr. Wilson. He was handed the packet containing sardines and told that these had been sent as per the label from Transatlantic Trading Co. (associated to Paul Georg Fidrmuc's company?), Post Box 527, Lisbon. He was asked to open the package, in order to see whether anything was concealed inside, and this he proceed to do.
2. There was nothing apparent concealed in the packet, but I am forwarding the tins and the packing for more expert investigation.
3. Mr. Westerlinck appeared very surprised to receive this package, and could offer no explanation. The letter he had written had no mention of food in it. He had never heard of the Transatlantic Trading Company, but he confirmed that the address- Post Box No. 527 - was the address the Germans previously given him for communication with Bettencourt c/o Orsmus, Ltd.
4. Mr. Westerlinck stated that he did not think Germans would try and conceal anything in a tin of Sardines.
KV 2/244-1, page 8 + 9 (minute 253a)
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B.1.b. Mr. Milmo, and p.a. (Westerlinck?)
You will remember that Mr. Westerlinck stated that his instructions were to communicate with Bettencourt c/o/ Orsmus Ltd., post-box 527, Lisbon, but as the Germans apparently thought that address might be regarded by us as suspect he was not to write to that address direct but to send his letters to his friends the Raeymaekers to pass on.
After he had communicated his London address to the Germans in this manner, Westerlinck received, on 25.7.42, a letter dated 3.7.42 from Bettencourt, who gave the address Av. Dugue d'Avila 60 Lisbon. An extract from the translation of this letter is as follows:
"It is with great pleasure that according to your wishes I will send you, during the next few days, some sardines, hoping that they will reach you without much delay or difficulty.
In fact Westerlinck had not asked for sardines.
On 8.1.43 two packages were received, addressed to Westerlinck at the London address we had provided for him. These packages had not been intercepted, notwithstanding that Post Box 527 and Westerlinck's London address are on the I.B. list. The reason I understand is the parcel post is not passed through the hands of the sorters who operate the I.B. list.
One package has been untied and at first sight consists of nothing but two tins of sardines, a layer of corrugated (ribbed) cardboard, and a thin sheet of brown paper bearing a label giving the sender's and recipient's addresses. I have handed this package to Grogan so that Collins can investigate it thoroughly.
The other package, which was outwardly identical, I am not touching, as I think that, if you agree, it might be as well to ask Mr. Westerlinck himself whether it is likely to contain anything, and if so, how or where any secret message or material might be concealed. before taking this step I proposed, however, to wait for Collins' report on the first package. Unfortunately I cannot read the date on the postmark on either package.
Mr. Westerlinck himself last wrote to Bettencourt at Av. Duque d'Avila 60, Lisbon on 1.8.42. The letter contained secret ink which, however, was probably not legible and no answer has been received.
Sgd. D.I. Wilson
B.1.b. 11.1.43.
KV 2/244-1, page 10a
Crown Copyright
Information Leading up to his arrest:
It was a result of his activities in Lisbon in the late summer and early Autumn of 1940 that Mr. Westerlinck first came to the notice of the security Service. From a number of sources it was reported at about this time that Mr. Westerlinck was not only pro-Nazi but was acting as an agent for the German Consul in Lisbon in suborning Belgian seamen and inducing and assisting them to desert from their ships and return to Belgium. There was also a suggestion that he was actually a German Secret Service agent. Subsequently, Mr. Westerlinck disappeared from Lisbon (AOB: maybe he was for training in Hamburg or Bremen, for a while) and was next heard of in January 1942 when reports were received from that city to the effect that he and his wife had returned and were trying to go to Belgian Congo. The original suspicions which his previous activities had aroused were substantially increased as it was apparent that he must have been facilitated by the Germans in making a return journey from Lisbon to Belgium. These suspicions were completely substantiated by further evidence which came to hand identifying Mr. Westerlinck with a fully trained German agent who was destined for the U.K. (AOB: not entirely according the truth: Mr. Westerlinck's aim was to reach Congo, but the Belgium Consulate in Lisbon told him, for what ever reason, that permission and papers could only being obtained in London; likely a set-up trap)
Confession:
The first interrogation of Mr. Westerlinck was very brief and it was indicated to him very clearly that we knew a great deal about →
KV 2/244-1, page 11b
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him and Mr. Westerlinck had sufficient presence of mind and native cunning to realise that the game was up and that the best thing he could be to make a clean breast of everything, or nearly everything, and endeavour to persuade the authorities that this had been his intention from the start. He thereupon revealed the following information about himself.
Lisbon 1940:
Mr. Westerlinck has persisted in denying what is alleged against him at this time. These denials cannot be accepted, however, in the face of several independent reports already referred to (AOB: MSS?), all of which tend to show that he was at least collaborating with the Germans at this period.
Return to Belgium:
In October 1940 Mr. Westerlinck left Lisbon and returned to his wife and family in Belgium. He states that having no means of livelihood and finding conditions depressing and difficult he resolved to set out again for Belgium Congo, accompanied by his wife. He therefore set out making enquiries concerning the necessary Exit Permits. Whether or not the project of returning to the Congo originated with him or was put into his head by the German Secret Service is a matter about which no certain view can be expressed.
Recruitment as a German Agent:
In the beginning of November 1940 Mr. Westerlinck received a letter purporting (asserting) to come from one Schubert (Dr. Theodor?) suggesting that he might care to visit the writer at the Hotel Metroploe, Brussels.
Mr. Westerlinck accepted the invitation and was told by Schubert that he had heard of him from the Compagnie Maritime Belge. Schubert appears to have been cognisant (aware) of events connected with the "Thysville" in Lisbon which again suggests that Mr. Westerlinck's activities in that regard were not unconnected with the Abwehr. At this meeting Schubert did not make any reference to Mr. Westerlinck's undertaking espionage on behalf of the Germans.
A few days later Mr. Westerlinck was summoned to the wellknown Abwehr address Avenue de Belgique No. 189 where Schubert introduced him to two other German Secret Service personalities who have been previously known to us, namely Ackermann and Bertram. At the interview during which Mr. Westerlinck informed the Germans that although he was capable of transmitting and receiving morse on the tape he could not do so by ear. The proposal was put forward that he should to go to the Congo as the Germans' "correspondent", sending them information by W/T about general politics, economic questions, local matters and the treatment of German and Italian prisoner of war. A week later , Mr. Westerlinck was as a result of a further invitation, called at an address in the Avenue van Ryswyck where he was introduced by Bertram to a certain Dr. Bremer. After a few preliminaries the conversation turned to the teaching of wireless telegraphy to Mr. Westerlinck and it was suggested that he should go to Bremen for the purpose. Mr. Westerlinck insists that up to this stage he had not accepted the Germans' proposal and that they told him that the visit to Bremen would be in no way bind him to decide to accept.
Training:
At the beginning of November 1940 Mr. Westerlinck left Bremen in the company of one Crahl, a member of the Antwerp Abwehrstelle. →
KV 2/244-1, page 12c
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Abwehrstelle. In Bremen he studied radio transmission and was instructed
in an ingenious but somewhat cumbersome plain language code. He
stayed in the Hotels Columbus, Fremienheim Ferienheim and
Bremerhospiz and was kept under constant supervision. During the visit he
was asked by the Germans to supply a written account of his part in the s.s. "Thysville"
affair. In order to arouse no suspicion the Germans arranged that during
his stay in Bremen
Mr.
Westerlinck
should should receive regular postcards from Holland purporting to be sent
by him.
In December 1940, the wireless instructor being apparently satisfied with the progress made, Mr. Westerlinck was sent back to Antwerp where he received further radio instruction twice a week in the Boulevard Quinten Metsys 59a (?) This building seems to have been a regular radio school with a permanent staff. Training in Antwerp continued until April of 1941.
Meanwhile, steps were being taken to procure the necessary Visas for the journey to the Congo. The Portuguese Consulate in Antwerp refused to issue him with a Visa. In consequence Mr. Westerlinck was in April of 1941 ordered to Bremen again where he was taught a further code and was also instructed in secret writing, the process being xxx
xxx
This visit to Bremen lasted only eight days and a few days after his return to Antwerp he was interviewed at the Avenue Quinten Metsys address by two Germans who came from Antwerp and were apparently concerned with obtaining of Visas. They told him that they hoped to be able to obtain the necessary Portuguese Visa in Paris where they were going.
In July of 1941 Mr. Westerlinck paid a third visit to Bremen whence he was sent to Paris to complete the final arrangements in connection with his journey to Congo. On arrival at the Gare du Nord he got in touch with a certain Dr. Kilbourgh, described as being of Bulgarian nationality, who proved to be his main contact in the city and who seems to have been responsible for the organisation of his journey. The purpose of this visit to Paris was to fix up the Visa with the Portuguese Consulate and as soon as these formalities were completed Mr. Westerlinck returned to Antwerp.
Departure for Portugal:
On the 14th of August 1941 Mr. Westerlinck accompanied by his wife, set out from Brussels for Lisbon bringing with them the two children of an acquaintance who were travelling to join their parents at Loanda. Mr. Westerlinck states that his wife knew nothing of his espionage mission and on the whole it is thought that this is probably correct. The party stopped in Paris for a few days during which Mr. Westerlinck contacted Dr. Kilbourgh who handed him his passport and supplied him with $ 100.
The party arrived in Lisbon on the 19th of August and the following day Mr. Westerlinck, using the Alias ?? which had been given to him by his German masters, got in touch with the German Vice Consul but since this official did not appear to know anything about him he announced his safe arrival by a letter to a cover →
KV 2/244-1, page 13d
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cover address which had been given to him in Lisbon. As the result of this letter Mr. Westerlinck was contacted by a German agent who enquired whether he was in need of anything and made a appointment for him to meet Bertram a few days later. This meeting duly took place. Bertram who had been transferred to Lisbon from Antwerp and was now living in Estoril asked whether he would be willing to take a radio transmitter with him but Mr. Westerlinck protested vigorously against this proposal on the ground that it was too dangerous.
From this time onwards Mr. Westerlinck passed into the care of a certain Grimm (Hans Friedrich; KV 2/2454, PF 600288) who appears to have a office on the third floor of a new building situated alongside the wellknown Lisbon restaurant "Cambrinus", rua Eugenio, Lisbon. On the first of October 1941 Mr. Westerlinck and his wife after two moves eventually ahead at the Pension Beiramar at Estoril where they stayed for seven months until they left for England. The long delay was caused by the complications in connection with the Visas. During this period Mr. Westerlinck was tested in his secret writing technique by Grimm.
It was not until comparatively shortly before his eventual department that Mr. Westerlinck was advised by the Belgian Legation at Lisbon that it would be necessary for him to proceed to London where the final arrangements for getting to the Congo would be made (a true trap!) A visa to the U.K. was granted to him and the Germans took the view that he should fall with this plan and made their arrangements accordingly. He was made to understand that there was much available information which he could supply from England and it was hinted that should he succeed in his various efforts he would be in a position to request whatever post he desired from the Bremen Abwehrstelle (Abwehrnebenstelle; a dependence of Ast-X Hamburg). He was given cover address to which to correspond from England and eventually from Congo.
Although Mr. Westerlinck was not aware of the fact that the Belgian authorities had decided to route him via England for the reason that he had aroused their suspicions (The trap).
xxxx
Conclusion:
Mr. Westerlinck visit to this country was regarded as transitory and it was evident that it was only at the last moment that he was shown a standard questionnaire (skipped here) of the type of information which the Abwehr required from agents in England. His general training →
KV 2/244-1, page 14e
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training was directed towards equipping him for work in the Congo and there is no doubt that this was intended to be the principal scene and objective of his espionage assignment. At the time, and indeed throughout the period which has since intervened the Germans have been making strenuous endeavours to penetrate this particular part of the world and it is clear that they attach considerable importance to running agents into the Congo.
As regards his motives, all the evidence shows that Mr. Westerlinck was induced to undertake espionage in the hope of obtaining a comfortable administrative post for himself in the Belgian Congo when, as confidently believed would soon be the case, the German armies merged triumphant over the Allies. There is nothing to suggest that he was actuated by any ideological or patriotic considerations, or indeed, by anything other than his own personal advancement as was graphically illustrated by his sudden switch on arrival at Camp 020. (AOB, does this imply - that they truly favoured a fanatic German?) Mr. Westerlinck is a man who not only likes to be on the winning side but will always be prepared to change his allegiance to the quarter which it appears is most likely to serve his immediate personal interests.
There is some reason to believe that Mr. Westerlinck is still withholding information and that he may even have succeeded in double-crossing us. He has not been prosecuted because the decision was taken to utilise his service as a D.A. but it is significant that no reply has ever been received to any of the several communications which he has despatched to the opposition (the Germans). The evidence is anything but conclusive but there are good grounds for arguing that Mr. Westerlinck has by some pre-arranged or other means managed to convey to the other side the fact that he is under control. (mainly guesses by a quite frustrated crown servant).
B.1.b. 9.1.43
KV 2/244-1, page 15 (minute 239a)
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Weasel (= Westerlinck)
Weasel (=
Westerlinck)
arrived at Poole from Lisbon on 5.5.42. He has had no success in getting
responses from the Germans. The reason may be partially that his technical
arrangements have broken down (either by his own intention or not), but
fundamentally the failure of the case, as a double agent case, suggests either
that the Germans grew suspicious of him and dropped him, or that he has deceived
us and contrived to warn the Germans that he is under our control. It is
worth remembering that Klieburg (Emil
Kliemann KV 2/278)
was was his contact in Paris, and our experience suggests that this man is more
likely than other Germans whom we know of to have arranged a warning or to have
smelt a rat for himself.
It seems clear that the time has come to cross the Weasel (= Westerlinck) off our list of active cases. he should become simply a B.1.b. investigation case "for the duration". As far as we are concerned the H.O.W's (Home Office Watch List) could be removed and there is no need for Westerlinck to communicate with us regularly, if indeed she still does so.
B.1.a. 2.12.42 Sgd. J.C. Masterman
KV 2/244-1, page 31a + 32b both partially
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III. Westerlinck.
In considering the case of Westerlinck's wife, it is difficult to establish whether she was in fact aware of his association with the German Secret Service. Mme. Westerlinck insists that if she had suspicions, she certainly did not question him or evince any curiosity at all. The subject was never discussed between them.
Some faith may be placed in this statement, was his senior by thirteen years; in the second place, in spite of his infidelity and disease (+ footnote), she has remained with him for seven years. The fact that her family is devoutly Catholic would be no reason against, a separation had she so wished.
On 21.5.42 she was interrogated at Holloway Prison by officers from Camp 020, who received the impression that moreover, that she was in a position to maintain this attitude in her future dealings with the authorities. It is extremely difficult to believe, however, that a woman of xx deleted words education and intelligence was not somewhat suspicious of her husband's activities, and it would seem that she deliberately chose to turn a blind eye to the facts.
In the first week of June of this years, Mme. Westerlinck was released from Holloway prison, where she had been previously been arranged that she would be taken care of by her brother, xxx words deleted an engineer working at the Belgian Colonial Ministry at 118, Eaton Square, Mr. Westerlinck for his part, realises that his wife's freedom is dependent upon his own good behaviour.
KV 2/244-1, page 32c
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IV. Conclusion.
In Mr. Westerlinck case the salient factor would appear to be that his mission was of an economic nature to be carried out in the Belgian Congo. His visit to this country was transitory, engineered unknown to him by the authorities here in collaboration with the Belgian Consulate in Lisbon (AOB: the arranged trap). The fact that he had been shown a standard questionnaire of the type of information required by the German Secret Service from their agents in England, and instructed to supply this information in secret ink was of secondary importance. The purpose of his training in Bremen was to equip him as a useful agent operating from the Belgian Congo, always bearing in mind the possibility of an extension of the zone of conflict to the West Coast of Africa.
Indeed, in Mr. Westerlinck's case, one of the inducements, if not the principle reason for his entering the Germans' service, was the opportunity it offered him of leaving Europe to return to the Belgian Congo. Had the original German offer mentioned England as the ultimate destination, there is no reason to believe that would have undertaken such a mission. Undoubtedly, at the time Germany had gained great prestige for her early victories and, to a man of Mr. Westerlinck's mentality, there seemed little cause to to believe that she would not be finally victorious. With an eye to the main chance, he naturally foresaw a comfortable administrative post for himself in the Belgian Congo, always providing he satisfied his German masters meanwhile.
KV 2/244-1, page 33d
Crown Copyright
Mr. Westerlinck was trained by the I M (= Marine; German Navy) section of the German Secret Service (in Bremen) and, consequently, most of the senior officers with home he came in contact held commissions in the German Kriegsmarine. He gave them every promise of developing into a capable and intelligent spy. (AOB: really - did they believe this; why not simply rejecting to respond at all, after the Westerlinck couple had arrived safely in Belgian Congo?)
According to his own statements, he rapidly became extremely proficient in the art of transmitting in Morse code and, having passed many years in the Belgian Congo, presumably is both well-known out there and the bearer of an honoured and respected name among the Belgian colonist - obviously an excellent 'cover' for espionage, from the Germans' point of view. Furthermore, his wife's family is of some social standing in Belgium, which would enable the Westerlinck couple to be received in official Government circles. Obviously this man was potentially a most useful agent, and the failure of his mission eliminated at least one source of enemy information (when Westerlinck really would have been determined, what quite likely wasn't).
His life as judged by his history is one of failure and unrealised ambitions. Indeed, his very entry into the medical profession appears to have been by chance and undoubtedly, all this man's interest is centred in politics and social problems. During his stay at Camp 020, he is constantly entering into ideological discussions with the various internees whom he meets.
As already stated, he has signed a full confession, and M.I.5. are in possession of his materials for secret ink writing, together with a full explanation of his codes, etc. It is therefore possible, at any time convenient to them, to bring this man up for trial at the Old Bailey. It would seem, however, that this intelligent Belgian doctor might, with more advantage, serve the Allies' cause as a human reference library. Already, since his arrival here, two other spies on similar missions, namely Hermant and Meiss-Teuffen (KV 2/742 .. KV 2/746), have been received at Camp 020 and, it is only reasonable to suppose, that others will follow in their footsteps. For the time being anyway, it would seem that Mr. Westerlinck's knowledge may yet prove of value.
Camp 020
RS/MY
17.10.42
(2)
KV 2/244-1, page 35a + 36b
Crown Copyright
Chronological List of Events.
A. Period prior to recruitment by the Germans:
5.7.99 : Born
1912-1919 : Attended College Episcopal, Termonde (BE)
1919-1926 : Medical student at University of Louvain (Leuven) gaining degree of Doctor of Medicine, Surgery and Midwifery in July 1926
1926-1927 : Various posts as locum. Short touring trip to Holland.
1927-1930 : Post as doctor of Malines (Antwerp). Built up large clientele.
March 1930 : Disposed of practice; took a course in tropical medicine at Brussels obtaining diploma in June. Signed contract for 2 years with La Foreminiere.
July 1930-1932 : Left for Belgian Congo. Visited Eshikapa - Sasatshie - Kabalekesse.
1932 : Returned to Belgium on expiration of contract.
1932-1936 : Employment with the Croix Rouge du Congo. Post at Poko - Iawa - Viadana - Ibambi.
1935 : Married (a nurse)
End of 1936 : Returned to Europe.
January 1937 : Joined branch of Forminiere at Congo (Kailo) (Katanga?)
August 1937 : Enforced return to Europe owing to ill-health. Joined the Medical Mutual Aid Society for 6 months at Coutrai (Kortrijk)
?? 1938-1939 : Joined C.M.B. as ship's doctor. 2½ months' trip to South America. Then regular voyages on Antwerp-Congo Line. Three months enforced unemployment ashore just before the war. Then
resumed employment with C.M.B.
?? 1940 : Arrived La Palice. Dismissed from C.M.B. and replaced by Dr. de Belder. Taken to Lisbon.
?? - September : In Lisbon. Thysville affair.
September 1940 : Return to Belgium.
B. Period of recruitment by the Germans:
October 1940 : Contact by Schubert. Interviews with Schubert, Hotel Metropole, Antwerp.
Begin Nov.1940 : Trip to (Nest) Bremen for wireless instruction. Stayed for six weeks/
Dec 1940 : Return to Antwerp. Continuation of wireless training at Boulevard Quinten Metsys 59a
Apr 1941 : 2nd visit to Bremen. Learnt Codes. Secret ink instruction. Subsequent return to Antwerp.
14.8.41 : Left Brussels via Paris to Lisbon.
19.8.41 : Arrived Lisbon. various contacts with Germans. Securing visa for Belgian Congo, and final instructions given him by the Germans. Stayed for 8 months in Lisbon and Estoril. (Hotel
International in Lisbon and Pensao Royale and Beiramar in Estoril).
End Jan 1942 : Interview with Gouze of Belgian Legation
24.3.42 : Visit to British Passport Office.
5.5.42 : Arrival Poole by plane and brought to Camp 020.
KV 2/244-1, page 38 (minute 214a)
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J.H.M. (= J.H. Marriott)
Weasel (alias of Westerlinck)
I saw Mr. Westerlinck on 22.8.42, to discuss whether he would write again or wait to receive a further later from the Germans first. At the moment the Germans have not answered his letter of 18.7.42, which contained a brief request for a postbox number in 111 Code (special clear text code), nor his letter of 1.8.42, containing a coded message in secret writing, which is probably indecipherable. The former letter was passed on to the German cover address by Mr. Westerlinck's friend, the (De Raymaeckers) on 10.7.42, and crossed a letter from the Germans dated 3.7.42.
Mr. Westerlinck's own views are that he should not write until he has heared again, partially because he had no clear instructions as to what he was to do in England as distinct from the Congo, and partially because he thinks he would want to wait and see that his first secret ink letter got through the censorship and was safely received before he wrote again. I am not satisfied that what he pretends, because although the principle objective in the case was, no doubt, to go and make trouble in the Congo, I think the Germans would obviously have take the opportunity of his passing through England to try and get some information about this country.
On the other hand there is some plausibility in his second point, and he has all along and said that he would not write often but would only do so when he had something definite to say. I do not think therefore that any harm can de done by waiting at least for another two or three weeks without writing, in order to see if the Germans reply.
B.1.a. 24.8.42 Sgd. D.I. Wilson.
Please be always aware, that the KV 2/xxx series are always running with progressing page numbers backwards in time; with the exception of the so-called minute sheets.
KV 2/244-1, page 40a (minute 178c)
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T.A.R (T.A. Robertson Chief B.1.a.)
The Weasel = Mr. Westerlinck
I saw I saw with Captain Short at Camp 020 on 25.7.42. We showed him the letter which had been received from Bettencourt. Mr. Westerlinck said that notwithstanding the rather suspicious fact that the first three pages of this letter were written in double spacing while the last page was in single spacing, it would contain secret ink because he had not been any instruction in developing secret inks. He would not expect the letter in contain Duff as he would not expect themto send him Duff unless be asked for it or indicated that he had a microscope. If it had this code the whole letter would have to be in code as there was no indication of any starting pr finishing point. (As far as I can see there is no code).
He could not identify the handwriting he said that the reference to be the Avenida Palace Hotel and to Henriette had no signature and were no doubt introduced to give colour to the letter. He assured us that there was no hidden meaning whatsoever in the letter.
He said that in view of the address given on the back of the envelope he would now write to Bettencourt in secret ink to that address. He would do this using the name of Henri and José and would not use his own name as he had previously had to do when sending his letters through the Raymaeckers. He expressed his willingness to write in secret ink as soon as we thought fit. His own view was that he would not have been in an urgent hurry to reply and would write only when he had something which he regarded as being of interest to say. He was not very helpful in giving a line on the sort of things he would say and I propose to collect such information as is available for him, partially on any matter at Hull, and then discuss further with Mr. Westerlinck what part of such available information he would have used. I hope that Lieutenant Commander Montagu can provide a general statement on activity in the port.
KV 2/244-1, page 41b
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It occurs to me that as a doctor Mr. Westerlinck might take an interest in and report on the steps that we have been taken in this country to provide substitutes for various tropical and specialised medicines which before the war were imported from Germany. I think I can obtain such information without difficulty through my own firm.
It should be noted that although Mr. Westerlinck's name and address are on the I.B. (Home Office?) list, and also subject to to a H.O.W. (Home Office Watch list), we received no information of the letter until it was brought in by the actual occupant of the address. It had in the meantime obviously been fairly severely handled in the Censorship, and it seems to me at least possible that the letter contained Duff (to find German micro-dots) this would have been destroyed on the way. At the same time another letter arrived which had been addressed to Morris W. at the Pension in Lisbon. This letter posted in Belgium, had been forwarded presumably by the Pension proprietor. This letter also does not seem to have been intercepted, and the H.O.W. does not seem to have disclosed replies from Gerhard & Hey, in this country, to letters written by Mr. Westerlinck under our instruction. I am taking these points up with Colonel Allen and will have the letter from Bettencourt thoroughly tested.
Mr. Westerlinck confirmed that the letter addressed to Maurice W. is meant for his brother-in-law's children. This method of addressing letters was adopted to conceal the fact that the children in Belgian were communicating with their father in England. I propose to hand this letter to Mme. Westerlinck for her brother.
Mr. Westerlinck suggested that when he wrote and used secret ink to cover the letter should be typed on a typewriter other than his own. He said that this was suggested to him as a precautionary measure because his own typewriter is a Portuguese model and might be sufficiently distinctive to enable him to be traced if one of his letters was intercepted. The Germans suggested that as an alternative →
KV 2/244-1, page 42c
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when typing a letter to them he should make some slight adjustments to his typewriter, for example cause some of the letters to be typed out of the correct alignment and as soon as this letter was typed he should rectify the irregularities so that if the typewriter should be tested the irregularities would not appear.
In view of what Mr. Westerlinck said I arranged for Camp 020 to give me a sample of the type of his typewriter. I attach this, and apart from the figure 7 there does not seem to me to be anything in this type which would particularly attract attention. I am assuming, of course, that he would write his letter without using the accents or the 'C' cedilla (Ç). It seems to me a little unlikely that Mr. Westerlinck could readily acquire or borrow a different typewriter and personally I think it preferable that he should use his own. (AOB: how often do they lack true alternatives in other-ones thoughts?)
Sgd. D.I. Wilson.
B.1.a. 27.1. 42.
Crown Copyright
PF 402262/B.1.a.DIW (The Weasel = Mr. Westerlinck) file /( B.1.a. = M.I.5. = / DIW = D.I. Wilson) 25th July, 1942
Dear Foley (AOB, S.I.S. 's representative in Lisbon at the office in Consular representation),
I enclose a translation of a letter today received by the Mr. Westerlinck. No secret message has as yet been discovered in or on the letter. We have no trace of the address given on the envelope, namely:-
Avenida Dugue de Avila 60,
Lisbon.
Have you any knowledge of this address?
Yours sincerely,
Sgd. D.I. Wilson
for T.A. Robertson (Chief of B.1.a.)
Major F. Foley, C.M.G,
S.I.S. (now M.I.6.)
KV 2/244-1, page 49 (minute 169a)
Crown Copyright
1. I attach a letter the draft letter Mr. Westerlinck has prepared for writing to the Raymaeckers and the suggested enclosure to that letter to the Raymaeckers should include a request to pass on the enclosure. The letter to Bettencourt does not seem to me to be at all satisfactory. In order to give the necessary syllables for the 111 code the language seems to me to have come very unnatural, and I propose to discuss it with Mr. Westerlinck and if he cannot do better using the code then I think it would be better not to send any code message but to rewrite the letter in more natural language and to add a sentence to the following effect:- 'Please pass on my news to Pierre Dubois and tell him that I will write to him fully direct as soon as he lets me have his new address'.
2. I attach a letter from Mme. Litwinska enclosing a card from here brother in Estoril. I propose to ask Mr. Westerlinck if there is any hidden meaning in the brother's letter and to get him to write an answer to both letters to the effect that his London address is his permanent address because he is, likely to be moved about from place to place in the course of his work.
Sgd. D.I. Wilson
B.1.a. 20.7.42
KV 2/244-1, page 50 (minute 167a)
Crown Copyright
Box No. 500
Parliament Street B.O.
London S.W.1.
17.7.42
Camp 020/
B.1.b. (Milmo). (M.I.5.)
Dear Milmo,
With reference to Wilson of B.1.a's visit of yesterday's date, the message he wished coded is attached herewith.
The letter headed: "Chers Monsieur et Madame" will of course terminate with the customary greetings.
I should be much obliged if you would pass on the coded message to the section concerned.
Yours sincerely,
For Lieut-colonel Stephens (Camp 020?)
Encl.: Sample letters written by Mr. Westerlinck.
1) To M and Mme de Raeymacker
2) "Cher Ami, with separate page showing hidden code message.
KV 2/244-1, page 51 (minute 166a)
Crown Copyright
Original in PF 305143 (= KV 2/2424) Plain Language Codes in Letters"& telegrams. Held in B.3.D.
Draft of Telegram.
To Lieut. Colonel Maunsell, Cairo (S.I.M.E.) Date 17.7.42
Signed. D.G. White (A.D.B.1 at M.I.5)
Out File No. PF 305143/B.1.b./HPM (= H.P. Milmo)
Reference your telegram No. 440 of 17.7.42
Defect referred to can be mitigated though not eliminated by choice of initial key words. Code was given to an enemy agent in whom considerable confidence is believed to have been placed (Mr. Westerlinck?) Most Secret Source (meant: Most Secret Source = M.S.S.) are British decrypts of intercepted German ISOS or ISK messages, mainly received via R.S.S. (RSS))(Churchill considered it Britain's most valuable asset; which it truly was!) informed us that the Germans attached importance to the agent having been trained in this code. It was however an emergency measure since agent had other means of communication.
Please be always aware, that the KV 2/xxx series are always running with progressing page numbers backwards in time; with the exception of the so-called minute sheets.
KV 2/244-1, page 56a + 57b (minute 162a)
Crown Copyright
J.C.M. = J.C. Masterman
Weasel = (Mr. Westerlinck)
Mr. Westerlinck has had no reply to the letter sent through Raeymacker to Bettencourt dated 15.5.42 though Raeymacker stated that he had duly forwarded the letter. The letter merely announced Mr. Westerlinck's arrival, that the formalities of entry had lasted for the entire week, that during this time he had been regarded with some suspicion, (this would have been caused, no doubt, by his being somewhat suspect because of the Thysville incident), but that he appeared to have cleared himself; he gave the London address we have provided for him and asked for the Post Box number to which he was to communicate with Pierre Dubois.
Mr. Westerlinck himself said that he did not expect an early reply and probably would not hear for about two months. As two months have now expired I think we should write again through the same channel, indicating partially in the cover letter and partially in the 111 code the following points:-
1. That he cannot get a visa for the Congo.
2. That he has had to take up employment as a doctor in this country.
3. That he is at present stationed at Hull, but that he is likely to be moved. They should still write to the London address.
4. That his wife has obtained a job with the Belgian Red Cross.
5. That he iis anxiously awaiting the Pierre Dubois address as he can only use his own name when communicating with Bettencourt through Raeymaecker and cannot, therefore, send long messages in secret ink, and that the 111 code can only be used for short messages.
This is proposed to take this matter up with the Mr. Westerlinck at Camp 020 tomorrow.
Sgd.
D.I. Wilson.
B.1.a. 15.7.42
KV 2/244-s, page 9 (minute 143a)
Crown Copyright
B.1.b. Mr. Gibbs.
You will remember that Mr. Westerlinck said that Congo was the key word of his 111 code. You drew attention to the fact that this made the code almost unworkable owing to the difficulty of finding suitable words of one, three, and three syllables to present the letter E. If however the key word is spelt Kongo, as I believe the Germans would be more likely to spell it, the group representing the letter E becomes two, one which is no doubt much easier. I think Mr. Westerlinck should be interrogated on this point. If you like I will see this is done when next I see him, but as I am not likely to be seeing him for 10 days or so you may prefer to ask Camp 020 to question him on the point in the meantime.
Sgd. by Mr. D.I.Wilson
for T.A. Robertson
(Major)
B.1.a. 20.6.42
KV 2/244-2, page 11a + 12b (minute 141x)
Crown Copyright
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Wilson and I saw Mme. Westerlinck yesterday afternoon at Imperial House and handed over to her a suitcase containing certain of her effects which had been packed with her husband's luggage, including her personal papers and her jewellery. A receipt was obtained.
She submitted for our approval several letters she had written, one to Mme. Dupret one to the Raeymackers, and one to her mother. We told her that was saw no objection to any of them going forward as she had written them and undertook to forward ourselves the letter to the Raeymaeckers in which the letter to her mother would be enclosed.
In order to see if any further light could be thrown on certain apparent slight divergences in the accounts given on different occasions about the Westerlinck's journey from Brussels to Lisbon we asked her to give us a detailed story of how this took place.
She gave us the following account:-
1. Befor leaving Brussels the Westerlinck's obtained a German permit to travel as far as Paris. They therefore had German permission to leave Belgium, but the Germans had previously refused when they asked permission to leave Belgium giving the Congo as their destination.
2. While they were in Paris they obtained their visa for Portugal which in turn enabled them to obtain a Spanish visa. They thereafter had no difficulty in travelling through occupied France to the Spanish frontier at Irun.
3. It was Westerlinck who looked after the business of obtaining the visas and Mme. Westerlinck was unable to give any further information about it.
Although this account is not identical with that of Mme. Westerlinck gave in the letter which she wrote from Estoril last September to her brother in London, it is not, in my opinion, inconsistent. She said in her letter that they had left Belgium without German permission and she now informs us that they did have permission, but it is true, according to her present account, that permission to leave for Congo was refused. Further, though she has now omitted any reference to the Portuguese friend who was previously stated to have obtained the visas for Paris, an omission of this sort does not seem to be important and may be due solely to lapse of time. It is now nearly a year since the Westerlinck's left Paris.
I think it would, however, be worthwhile obtaining a careful account from Mr. Westerlinck himself in relation to these points.
Sgd. T.A. Robertson
A.H. Robertson. Not identical to the just forenamed.
B.1.a. 18.6.42
KV 2/244-2, page 14 (minute 140a)
Crown Copyright
KV 408262/ A.D.B. 1 (= Dick W. White at M.I.5; the PF serials were maintained by M.I.5.) (This mail had been directed to S.I.S. which maintained differently - CX serials such as: CX/12345/xx or that like; though which in 99% of the cases had been made invisible)
Dear Miss (name deleted)
Many thanks for your CX/ ..., dated 17.6.42. I wonder if you can arrange to have the following reply cabled to Captain Liddell:
Following from White for Liddell:
Your description xxxx (made invisible) on the whole fits very well. Will send photograph. Can we now have your information as (TAR) Robertson is already operating.
Yours sincerely,
DGW (Dick W. White)
addressed on to: S.I.S.
KV 2/244-2, page 16 (minute 133b)
Crown Copyright
B.1.b. Mr. Milmo. (at M.I.5.)
Please see attached. I think I am right in saying that Westerlinck stated that polysyllable words of more than three syllables were to be ignored according to his instructions, but you may think it worth while to check on this point.
Although I agree with the substance of Hughes' comments on the disadvantages of this code, I nevertheless feel that his own effort and that Gilbert Ryle indicate clearly that letters could be written which would unquestionably escape censorship's suspicion. A large volume of letters pass through Censorship which are poorly phrased, and it is the exception rather than the rule to find letters which are lucid and convincing.
The ease with which this particular code (111 ?) could be used appears to depend upon the choice of the key word. If the phrase "break things" wee used as the key many of the difficulties refered to by Hughes would disappear, since this phrase contains the letters which are most commonly used in the English language.
B.3.d. 15.6.42 Sgd. Alan Grogan
KV 2/244-2, page 25 G813 ↓↓↓↓ G813return M824 ↓↓↓↓ M824return
Crown Copyright
Code 1.
Dear Aunt Janet,
Thank you for your letters. We are all well here. The arrangements about your old home appear very difficult, although we realise you are worrying, with natural cause. However yesterday I telephoned instructions to our family solicitor who promises that his own two brothers in Edgbaston, Birmingham, lawyers, will undertake the whole business. The carpets and the curtains will be sold without reserve. Silverware and the residue of Grandfather's library will be stored. Certainly every article of antique (likely, this being the key word) furniture will also be extremely carefully overhauled and Pickfords will only utilise trustworthy men for transporting it. Their warehouse nowadays are entirely bombproof. Certainly Edgbaston district has hitherto avoided damaging raids, very luckily, and probably, if Germany meditates 'Blitzkrieging' it will be directed chiefly on coastal on costal areas. Edgbaston Hospital requires our blankets, cutlery, crockery, and bedlinen. Mother and Mary are willingly foregoing them and understand that conditions inside that large building may spell serious damage. However, nurses, doctors and invalids deserve comforts. Housekeepers in wartime cannot decently keep luxury articles for themselves. The remaining articles fireirons, photographs and other personal knickknacks, like nursery furniture, can be left underground. The resident officers all undertake not to allow anyone keys to the cellars. Lieutenant is Adjutant and domestic details belong almost wholly under his department and every officer respects Parry's opinions. We all hope to hear from you soon and I hope that your anxiety about our family possessions won't have to last much longer.
Your loving nephew,
Hubert
Hidden (for example) message: en Boeings Fortresses arrived Yesterday at Hendon Pilots Expected to Raid Kiel.
KV 2/244-1, page 26b
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procedure would be the more difficult to detect, inevitable tendency to adopt stilled language when applying the code would prevail throughout the letter, and would therefore be less noticeable then if it were restricted to only a part.
It is known that the Germans have a reasonably high opinion of the efficacy of this code, and consider it to be sufficiently complicated to obviate the use of bogus signature, the writer being instructed to sign his own name.
An example of what can be done with this code will be found in the attached draft addressed to "Aunt Janet" (notice foregoing letter) by her loving nephew Hubert. This letter has been provided by a person who has had little opportunity of practising the application of this code. Owing to the use of the code word GONGO, the letter "e" is represented by 133, with the result that the letter is checked with a large number of three syllable words. obviously the code would be much simpler to apply, and the manifest manifest letter would read more smoothly if the letter "e" were represented by 111 or 112, which would be the case if the code word were "event" or "never".
Code 2.
This code depends upon the fact that there are at least to ways in which any character in the alphabet can be written. Two alphabets are prepared, one in normal script, and the other in very similar, but slightly modified, script, in which each letter differs in some particular from the normal. Having prepared message - say it "Leaving Madrid tonight" - write a fake or innocent letter, and then mark, one by one, in order, as they occur, the letters composing that message; L-E-A-V etc. then copy the letter carefully, still using normal script, except were where a marked letter occurs, when the modified script must be used. It is, of course, desirable that the intended recipient should be acquainted, with both the normal and the modified script of the sender, though this is not absolutely necessary.
The process is somewhat laborious, and, although not so ingenious and less difficult to detect than Code 1 above, has the advantage that the text of the manifest letter can be perfectly straightforward, and need not be stilled in any message, provided the manifest text is sufficiently lengthy.
A photostat copy of a letter, demonstrating the application of this code is attached.
AOB: actually not being reproduced
KV 2/244-2, page 27
Crown Copyright
See copy in KV 2/2424
Plain language code-Ecriture Camouflee
There have recently come to light two interesting examples of plain language codes given by the Germans to agents who have come to the U.K. These codes are extremely ingenious, and it is submitted that their detection and decoding would present problems on no little difficulty. In each case, a hidden message can be conveyed in an ordinary letter without undue difficulty, the only disadvantage of the system being that the text of the manifest writing is somewhat lengthy, in comparison in that of a hidden text.
Code 1. B800 B800return C802 C802return
For this code it is necessary to write down the alphabet, but not in a regular order, a key word being provided, which is taken for the initial letters. In the particular case which came to notice, the key word was CONGO, which, for reasons referred below, was not particular a happy choice. The code is then written out as follows:-
c ... 111
o ... 112
n ... 113
g ... 121
o ... 122
a ... 123
b ... 131
d ... 132
e ... 133
f ... 211
h ... 212
i ... 213
j ... 221
k ... 222
l (L) . 223
m ... 231
p ... 232
q ... 233
r ... 311
s ... 312
t ... 313
u ... 321
v ... 322
w ... 323
x ... 331
y ... 332
z ... 333
The code is based on the number of syllables employed in each word used - fore example, the letter "c" is represented by three words, the first one of the three syllables, the second one syllable, and the third of three syllables, i.e. "intending to re-enter". Words of more than three syllables can be inserted at any point in the letter, but are not taken into account; they therefore not only assist the writer in phrasing his manifest letter, but serve to complicate the message, and render its detection more difficult. The actual code message commences after the deliberate crossing out of a word, as though a mistake had been made, and would terminate just before a similar crossing out. Alternatively, if no crossing out of the words appear, the hidden message starts at the beginning of the letter and works straight through the end. It is submitted that this alternative → page end not provided!
KV 2/244-2, page 30 R.S.S. (RSS) (minute 127b)
Crown Copyright
XIV/39 Lisbon-Berlin
(↑AOB, rather curious, because line XIV is pointing at 'Amt VI operations' (via the Havelinstitut) whereas it here concerned an clear Abwehr matter, commenced via Belzig)
They might have, erroneously, neglected another serial most likely, see:
https://www.cdvandt.org/Deutsche-Funklinienkarte-HW-19-332-Erweiterungen-neu-28a-low.pdf
Cconsidering this map line III/1 would have been more likely.
@ Congo man
Nationality Belgian
12.8.41. O/21 unidentified. Have spoken to Congo man (AOB: this concerns a translation of a German-language communication and they certainly used the word: Kongo) Departure from Brussels (by train) 1352german Summer Time. The rest will be carried out in accordance with telegram received.
25.3.42 Lisbon-Berlin. To Ludwig (I L = I Luft), for Nest Bucht (= Nest Bremen, a sub-division of Ast Hamburg) Giovanni urgently requires details concerning Dr. Weber. His passport was requested from the English Consul but not yet been handed over. (signed) Ludovico (= Leiter KO Portugal, cover-name Ludovico von Karshof, real name: Major Ludwig Kremer von Auenrode)
27.3.42 Berlin-Lisbon. For Ludovico for Diaz (= Bendixen) Ref. above message. Stelle Bucht (in seamen terms known as Deutsche Bucht) (= Nebenstelle Bremen) requests you to be of assistance to Dr. Weber on his return journey to Grube (= Belgium) and to afford Giovanni greatest possible . (Whom transmits) Ludwig (= Abwehr Referat Berlin I L).
30.3.42 Lisbon-Berlin. To Ludwig (I
L) for Nest Bucht (=Nest
Bremen) Ref. above
message. Dr. Weber (=
Dr.
Westerlinck) has
been requested by the English Consulate at this end (=
Lisbon),
via the Belgium Consulate, to fly to England immediately in order to present
himself for military service there. Dias (Diaz)
(= Bendixen;
I M,
Kapt.-Lt.)
proposes to exploit this opportunity for direct reconnaissance of England.
Request immediate advice by W/T. Giovanni (=
Hans Friedrich Grimm)
will receive appropriate instructions. Ludovico (=
Leiter KO Portugal)
Diaz (Bendixen).
31.3.42 Berlin-Lisbon. For Ludovico and Diaz. Ref above message Nest Bucht (Bremen) agrees to Diaz (Bendixen's) proposal. Ink problem still being clarified. through Martin (= I M KOP).
7.4.42 Berlin-Lisbon. For Diaz (Bendixen). Please advice by W/T at once whether Dr. W. (Westerlinck) is returning home or whether he is coming to work in in land 8 (Congo). Nest Bucht (= Nest Bremen) through Martin (I M).
10.4.42. Lisbon-Berlin. To Ludwig (I L) for Martin (I M) for Nest Bucht (= Nest Bremen). Ref above message of 7/4. Dr. W. (Westerlinck) has already received an English visa. He is leaving by air in the period up to 15/4. Will be told precise time only 7 hours before departure. His wife is flying with him. Has been trained (in the use of ink Mr. Westerlinck in addition to this this in system 111/333 (AOB, please notice this file page 27) .
11.4.442. Berlin-Lisbon. For Ludovico (von Karshof) (both an alias) (see above 10/4). Congo man (Kongomann). Send the new arrangements soon to be made on reporting route and cover addresses to this end. Nest Bucht (= Bremen) Through Martin (= Berlin I M).
14.4.42. Lisbon-Berlin. To Ludwig (I L) for Martin (=1 M) for Nest Bucht (= Nest Bremen) Report concerning agreements over report routes and over (cover)-addresses of Congo man already under way with Giovanni report. Ludovico Diaz. (AOB: in these cases, it was sent by means of a diplomatic bag; which means was free of custom-check) (Please be also aware: that there existed regular airline flights up to early spring 1945, between Germany and the Iberian Peninsula)
7.5.42. Berlin-Lisbon. For
Diaz (= I M Bendixen).
Ast
Nest Bucht requests to
be informed by W/T whether and when Kongo man set out. Martin (=
Referat I M Berlin).
9.5.42. Lisbon-Berlin. Ludwig (I L) for Martin (I M) for Nest Bucht (= Bremen) Re your message 7/5 Kongo man started on 4/5. Ludovico (Leiter KOP) Diaz (Bendixen I M)
12.5.42. Lisbon-Berlin. To Blank (= Otto: Technischer Oberinspektor and Werkstadt-Leiter at Stahnsdorf) Sets SE 90/40 (serial) No. 45 for Kongo of Nest Bucht, SE 90/40 No. 60 and SE 85/14 No. 214 for Watson. (AOB: these type-numbers can be found in: https://www.cdvandt.org/Staritz-Abwehrfunk-Funkabwehr-neu2.pdf
(3) (4 October 2022)
KV 2/244-2, page 53
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PF 408262/B.1.b/HPMilmo.
4th June 1942:
Dear Mrs. Lee,
I write to confirm our conversation on the 2nd when I recommended the release of Mme. Westerlinck subject of the usual refugee conditions, and you were good enough to say that you would make the necessary arrangements to have the lady formally landed by the Immigration Officer at Holloway Prison yesterday afternoon.
Mme. Westerlinck is some 15 years older than her husband, and whilst it would not be correct to say that the pair are estranged, they live very much their lives and do not appear to unduly attached to one another. When Mr. Westerlinck is entirely depended on what he earn for his livelihood, his wife owns an estate in the Congo, and it wood seem that her object in accompanying her husband was not so much martial fealty as a desire to attend to her property. She protests that she was wholly unaware that her husband was a spy or of his connection with the Germans, and whilst we do not necessarily accept as a completely frank statement we are inclined to believe that it is not very far from the truth.
For the above reasons, in addition to certain other circumstances which I explained to you, we are satisfied that Mme. Westerlinck can be released. She is being told by one of our officers, however, that she much keep in touch with us and notify us of any change in address, and is being warned that if she does not behave herself she will be returned to prison without further ado.
I would like to say how much we appreciated the prompt way in which you have dealt with this release at such very short notice.
Yours sincerely,
HPM
H.P. Milmo
Mrs. K.G. Lee
Home Office.
KV 2/244-2, page 56a (minute 87a)
Crown Copyright
Captain Short, Lieut. Harker and I interrogated Mr. Westerlinck at Camp 020 this morning with a view to clearing up various points in connection with communications which he might have with the Germans. In answer to our enquiries Mr. Westerlinck gave us the following information.
1. Having already written to announce his arrival he would wait for a month or more to obtain an answer before writing again, unless in the meantime he had come across some information of importance which it was urgent to transmit. In such a case he would write a further letter to Bettencourt through De Raeymacker (AOB: name spelled here correctly). (The latter person lived in Portugal)
2. He would not consider it necessary to inform Bettencourt immediately of personal matters such as where he had obtained employment. In the normal way his wife would write to De Raeymacker and would no doubt say what he was doing and this would get passed round the Belgian Colony in Lisbon. There was, however, no arrangement for De Raeymacker to pass on to the Germans any information the got from Mr. Westerlinck as to movements.
3. Mr. Westerlinck expected to be given the the postal box number Pierre Dubois in reply to his letter already written, and thereafter he would only write to Bettencourt through De Raeymacker if he thought it necessary to supplement the regular correspondence he would institute with Dubois, for example if there was reason to suspect that the Dubois correspondence was not passing regularly.
4. In writing to Dubois and sign it Jose (José). These names had been agreed upon when it was intended that he should go to the Congo and, Mr. Westerlinck commented that, while the Germans ought to have substituted an English name for Jose when it was known that he was coming here, they had not in fact done so.
5. As he could only write to Bettencourt through the De Raeymacker he would he would always have given his own name in the cover letter to the De Raeymacker.
KV 2/244-2, page 57b
Crown Copyright
6. He would never use his own name in a letter which had secret ink, but he would use his own name in a letter which contained the 111 code (Please notice: B800 B800return ).
7. The 111 code would be used only for Bettencourt, with Dubois he would always use secret ink.
8. There had been no arrangement laid down for the contents or form of a secret ink letter apart from using Henri and Jose (José) in the cover letter. He would write in block letters. The Germans had suggested that for his own protection he should be careful that his finger-prints would not show on the paper, but thought it would be difficult to write in gloves with the tooth-pick and cotton wool which he has to use for the purpose. It had also been suggested to him in passing that for his own protection he might like to create a temporary flaw in the typewriter he was using for the cover letter, correcting this afterwards so that the flaw would not occur if his typewriter was checked up. He had been told to get some good quality writing paper which was not shiny. It was suggested that he might obtain writing paper from hotels or use commercial headed paper if he could lay his hands on it. He would first have written the secret ink message, then washed it with alcohol and dried the paper.
9. He would select a sender's name and address at random for letters containing secret ink, but would use the christian name Jose.
10. The suggestion that if he found himself at a neutral port he should send to Dubois a telegram containing the word 'weaver' (AOB: some search on Google UK translate - provided for the German word Weber also weaver; and Mr. Westerlinck's German cover-name was Dr. Weber!) or its Flemish equivalent 'wever' (= German Weber) was a fresh instruction given him in Lisbon.
11. The questionnaire, of which Mr. Westerlinck had given details at a previous interrogation, was not a questionnaire especially for him, but appeared to be a general questionnaire to be put to any agents who were seamen or connected with the sea. He had only seen the questionnaire on one occasion when he had read it through twice in succession very rapidly. The questionnaire →
KV 2/244-2, page 58c
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was headed with the word 'England' and was in the German language which Mr. Westerlinck states he does not know at all. ?
12. Mr. Westerlinck claims that he cannot remember any more details of the questionnaire beyond what he has already given. He says he endeavoured to set out the questions in the order of importance in which they were regarded by the Germans.
13. Mr. Westerlinck says he did not expect to be send specific questionnaires even when he had made contact. He understands that it was left to him to pass over to the Germans whatever information he judged to be of interest to them.
14. He was given no indication as to how he might find out answers to the questions and he regarded this as one of many signs of very bad organisation of the German Service. The making of contacts was left entirely to him although the Germans no doubt expected him to have the entree through his brother-in-law (Mme. Westerlinck's brother) to French and Belgian circles in England where the language difficulty would not arise.
Letter from De Raeymacker.
At this stage Mr. Westerlinck was informed that his brother-in-law and his wife had been interviewed and had agreed to cooperate in keeping up the illusion that he was at liberty in this country, that in all probability his wife would be released very shortly, but that this was a reward for his cooperation and that she would remain free only as long as the cooperation continued. Mr. Westerlinck was shown the letter from De Raeymacker dated 18.5.42 addressed to him ??? . He was asked why the name was spelt differently to the spelling he used himself used. He said that he had not seen the name written before and had thought that he had spelt it correctly as it was pronounced (phonetically). He strenuously denied that there was any hidden meaning in it. The reference to sugar in the letter arose from the fact that his wife had presented De Raeymacker with a small quantity of sugar which she had in hand before they left.
KV 2/244-2, page 59d
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Mr. Westerlinck himself is not in the habit of writing catty letters and he would have left it to his wife to reply to this letter.
111 code. (C802 C802return)
Mr. Westerlinck was most emphatic that there was no alternative key-word to 'Congo" as far as he was concerned in connection with the 111 code.
Wireless Set.
Mr. Westerlinck denies all knowledge of what arrangements might have been in the minds of the Germans for equipping him with a wireless transmitter.
Quadraat (Quadrat) code.
Mr. Westerlinck said that he would code up his secret ink messages using the Quadrat code. This was as well as using the Quadrat code if he got a wireless transmitter.
Mr. Westerlinck notional occupation.
Mr. Westerlinck considers that that a position as a doctor in some hospital outside London which specializes either in dealing with seamen or with tropical diseases would be a suitable notional occupation for him.
Litwinski.
It was arranged that Mr. Westerlinck should write a short note sending on the equivalent of the dollars he had received from Litwinski, and would also write a short note to Litwinski saying he had done this.
On his own initiative Mr. Westerlinck raised the following points:
If he writes any further hand-written letters he thinks it would be better if he used his own fountain pen.
KV 2/244-2, page 60e
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When next writing he should say that he had found it impossible to go to the Gongo.
He would always have posted his letters in a different district.
Mr. Westerlinck expressed the desire that we should supervise any letters his wife wrote as he knew there were certain conventions and family codes known to his wife and Belgians abroad, and he did not wish her to tell too much to her family by this means. Mme. Westerlinck said, for example frère could be used with the meaning 'Congo' and the word 'mere' with the meaning 'sea'.
Mr. Westerlinck appeared to show frankness in answering questions and to be endeavouring to be helpful. While I do not regard him as trustworthy I think he does appreciate that his own interests are best served if our plans are successful, and that he also has some gratitude for the way in which we propose to deal with his wife.
Sgd. D.I. Wilson
B.1.a. 2.6.42.
Please be always aware, that the KV 2/xxx series are always running with progressing page numbers backwards in time; with the exception of the so-called minute sheets.
KV 2/244-2, page 61
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D.G.S.S. (through A.D.B.1) Dick G. White (M.I.5)
B.1.a. have notified me that they would like to use Mr. Westerlinck and they are anxious to see him within the next few days with this end in view. If he is to be established as a B.1.a. agent it is essential that a letter should be written in the very near future since it is known that the Germans have been at pains to ascertain the precise date of the departure from Lisbon.
Prior to the arrival of Mr. Westerlinck this section was in close touch throughout with S.L.B. and when a report was received to the effect that no incriminating property had been revealed by the search at the port of arrival, S.L.B. intimated that they did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by taking a statement under caution (AOB: generally - when someone was to be interrogated this person must be warned in advance that he was not obliged to say anything; though when doing so he must be aware that matters can be used against him) for the prosecution purposes at that state , namely, before the man went to camp 020.
A report has now been received from the Scientific Section on their examination of the toilet and medical preparations found amongst Mr. Westerlinck's belongings. This report shows that he brought into this country with him.
(i) Tables of Mr. Westerlinck which is a well-known secret writing material, and is known to have been a substance in the use of which Mr. Westerlinck was specifically trained.
(ii) Capsules of ??? which is known to be the basis of a secret ink used by the German Secret Service. The report will be found in the (minute sheet) serials 36a.
The above discoveries bring Mr. Westerlinck case into the category where a successful prosecution under the Treachery Act can be envisaged and it is proposed to invite S.L.B. to take a statement under caution from Mr. Westerlinck within the next 24 hours. If Mr. Westerlinck should double-crossed us, by so doing he would revive his original offence, and indeed by the vary act of double-crossing would commit a very a fresh offence under the Treachery Act.
The approval of the Director General is a respectfully sought to be employment of Mr. Westerlinck in the capacity suggested, having regard to the fact that such employment has been ruled by Attorney General in the case of Goose to constitute a bar to subsequent prosecution as long as the man continues to play straight with us.
Sgd. H.P.J. Milmo.
B.1.b. 13.5.42
KV 2/244-2, page 62 (ref. to minute 37)
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D.G.S.S.
I am advised that the prosecution of Mr. Westerlinck is in any case case a dubious matter, there being an absence of the kind of concrete evidence necessary (AOB: = Treachery, as Mr. Westerlinck had been invited to come to Britain as to obtain there a Belgian visa necessary for entering Belgian Congo; one could say that he was only on transit and in no way carrying a weapon or illicit transmitter into England, which being necessitated for British legal prosecution) to back up his own very full confessions.
I am acquainted with the B.1.a reasons for wishing to use Mr. Westerlinck and they appear to me to be strong ones. In these circumstances may I recommend that authority be given for us to proceed to use him?
A.D.B.1 13.5.42 (Dick G. White) Commented in hand-writing by Brigadier Sir David Petrie.
Please be always aware, that the KV 2/xxx series are always running with progressing page-numbers backwards in time; with the exception of the so-called minute sheets.
KV 2/244-2, page 63a + 64b (minute 82a)
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P.A. Weasel (= Mme Westerlinck)
Major Masterman)
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Wilson and I (Masterman) interviewed Mme. Westerlinck this afternoon afternoon at Holloway Prison. At first she appeared somewhat anxious, but later in the interview regained confidence when we was informed that she would probably be released in the near future. Moreover she struck us as sincere and honest.
We told her that there was a very serious case against her husband who had come into this country (actually on transit to Belgian Congo) trained as a German spy, and armed with a questionnaire and material (AOB: as a medical doctor carrying medical supplies which, eventually, could also be used for preparing invisible ink) for secret communication (writing letters). Nevertheless it had been decided that the Allied cause would be best served if we allowed Germans to believe that he was at liberty, and in practising this deception upon them we should require her cooperation. At first she appeared to feel that we regarded her as implicated; she protested that she would not act against the interest of her country (Belgium), and that if her husband had done so it was because he was a Flemish Nationalist (Mr. Westerlinck might even not have spoken Flemish language himself) at heart and believed that the Flemish nation was best served by cooperation with the Germans; she on the other hand was French speaking and would not be a traitor. We assured her that the evidence we had proved her husband's guilt (bluffing) but did not seriously implicate her; she could, therefore, best serve the interest of Belgium, as she and her family had done in the last war, by helping us to deceive the Germans. Reassured about her own position she readily accepted this idea after having enquired if her husband agreed to it and being informed that both he and her brother had promised to cooperate.
Mme. Westerlinck enquired what her husband own future would be. We replied that we would like her own views, and that she would probably be released in the near future. She said that she would endeavour to obtain some kind of job, because she did not want to be a charge on her brother and the money in her possession (a few hundred dollars) would not last very long. We replied that she could of course take up a job, but that we should want to be consulted about it; further, that it would probably be easier for her keeping up the pretence of her husband's liberty and employment elsewhere, she were not in an an environment where she would meet any Belgians who would be likely to know about her circumstances and discuss them with her. With this she agreed. She stated that on her release she would go to stay either with with or near her brother.
We asked Mme. Westerlinck if it would not be necessary for her to write to the
Reemaekers(De Raeymacker) in order in order to keep up the appearance that all was normal. We added that her husband had written to them about ten days ago. She replied that in that case there was no urgency, but that it would be as well to write in the near future. Mr. Wilson showed her a letter received from them recently by ?? for the ?? and it was agreed that she should write to theReemaekers(De Raeymacker) a letter dated 25th, and purporting (claiming) to have been written before their letter was received.before leaving we promised Mme. Westerlinck that one of us would come to see her again in the near future, and asked her to think over at leisure her own future plans generally, and also with particular reference to establishing certain contacts with people in this country to whom she had introductions. We emphasised the importance of her not communicating to anyone besides her brother the true facts of her husband's position; she agreed that this was as much in her interest as ours.
Sgd. A.H. Robertson (a different servant than Mr. T.A. Robertson at the same B.1.a office, at M.I.5)
B.1.a. 29.5.42
KV 2/244-2, page 68 (minute 78a) The purpose of this letter is: to retain mails addressed to the names and addresses shown below; for inspection by M.I.5.
D804 D804return H814 H814return L821 L821return
Crown Copyright
B.1.no.6/B.1.b./RDG
Dear Colonel Allan, (of G.P.O. = General Post Office),
I should be grateful if the following names and addresses could be added to the I.B. List as a matter of urgency.
(1) M. De Raymaeker or Reemaecker
Hotel Inglaterra,
Estoril,
Portugal.
(2) M. Bettencourt,
c/o Orsmus (or Oesmers) Ltd.,
Caixa Postal 527,
Lisbon,
Portugal.
(3) Goncalves
The Proprietor,
Pension Beiramar,
Estoril,
Portugal.
Yours sincerely,
R.D. Gibbs.
Colonel M.F. Allan,
G.P.O.
RDG (= R.D. Gibbs)
KV 2/244-2, page 75 (minute 73a)
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Giovanni.
Among the persons working in Lisbon for the German Secret Service is an individual who represents the interest of the
AbwehrstelleAbwehrnebenstelle at Bremen. The identity of this individual has not yet been established, but he is known to us as Giovanni (= Hans Friedrich Grimm, KV 2/2454, PF 600288, S.I.S. number: CX/12650/8931). It is not known exactly how long he has been in Lisbon but at the beginning of March (42?) he had apparently already been there for some time.He is known to be paid by the Lisbon (KOPortugal) Stelle, who are reimbursed for their outlay by the
StelleNest at Bremen. It is now known that for the month of March he received 30,000 escudos, but that thereafter he has been paid at the rate of 25,000 escudos a month.Giovanni first came to our notice in an official capacity in connection with the case of Mr. Westerlinck? He was deputed by the Bremen Stelle to look after (Dr. Weber alias of Mr. Westerlinck) at the time when arrangements were being made for the latter to Lisbon to his native Belgium. Following the request of the British Consulate in Lisbon that Mr. Westerlinck should come to this country to present himself for Military Service, the control case was transferred from Giovanni to the resident representation of the Marine Section (I M), Hans Bendixen (DIAZ). It is obvious, however, that Giovanni was kept fully informed of all developments in the case and he is known to have sent to Bremen a full report on the arrangements made for Mr. Westerlinck's mission to this country.
Giovanni appears to act as a filter for any enquiries which (Nest) Bremen desires to make about Portuguese affairs, for instance, he is known to have informed them that code was permitted to be used in telegraphic traffic despatched from Portugal. In addition to his work on behalf of the Bremen Stelle, Giovanni also supplies information to the resident officials such as Bendixen and von Karsthof (AOB, the latter's alias name used was Ludovico, whereas his real name was: Major Ludwig Kremer von Auenrode). Thus a report despatched by Lisbon on 9.5.42 regarding the departure of a convoy from Gibraltar for Brazil was stated to be from Source Giovanni, while on 19.5.42 a report concerning a convoy travelling from Florida to Freetown via the Bermudas was stated to have reached the German Intelligence officials in Lisbon by the following route:- W/T operator on British Overseas Airways plane - W/T operators on British steamship - one of Giovanni's agents - Giovanni himself. (intelligence source most likely M.S.S. / MSS W/T traffic!) It appear that any interesting reports which Giovanni obtains about shipping are also to be sent from him to Bremen by airmail letters (diplomatic bags?).
His latest mission in Lisbon appears to concern a Mexican, but at present no further details are known about this project.
It is clear from the above that Giovanni is a figure of some importance to the German Intelligence Service, and he is an interesting figure as indicating the "penetration" of the German organization in Lisbon by a member of an Abwehr Stelle inside Germany.
27.5.42.
KV 2/244-2, page 81a (minute 65a)
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Weasel (= Westerlinck)
T.A.Robertson
I attach two yellow pencils which in turn have attached to them the summaries made at Camp 020 of my two visits to Mr. Westerlinck and Westerlinck's own observations on difficulties he had raised. There are one or two points which took place at the interviews which do not appear in the summaries. 19.5.42 paragraph one. Mr. Westerlinck said his first efforts would be to arrange to go to the Belgian Congo, and it was only if that failed that he would seek employment as a doctor with preferably the Red Cross or failing that the Belgian army.
Paragraph three. After considerable discussion Mr. Westerlinck said in the end that he would write at the same time both to the Pension proprietor and to the Reemaeker (De Raymaeker) with an enclosure for Bettencourt (please consider: D804 D804return) announcing his arrival and address. The first letter to Bettencourt would not be in code 111 but would use the phrases about his health, indicating how well or badly things are going.
After expressing his doubts as to whether our proposals could be carried through successfully because of the enquiries about him and his wife that might have made by members of the Belgian Colony in England and Portugal, he suggested that these difficulties might largely be overcome if he were permitted his liberty on parole. I formed the impression that his object in raising these difficulties was to try and persuade us to set him free.
By way of addition to the summaries of these interviews I would like to add that Mr. Westerlinck stated he had not been taught how to develop letters written in his secret ink and did not know how to do so. If the Germans were to communicate with him he thought they would do so either by using phrases which would convey a double meaning or by means of Punkte (Duff) (micro-dots). While no-one can be certain on the point I am inclined to think that Mr. Westerlinck has sought to indicate in his letters that he is under control. This is not because he has any loyalty to us or to the Belgian Government in this country, but simply because we have at the moment a closer hold on his neck than the Germans have.
The written statement by Mr. Westerlinck on his various social →
KV 2/244-2, page 82b
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relationships which might cause difficulty was made at our request, and although his original motive in raising these difficulties was, as I suggest above, probably in the hope that he might be set free or might escape from acting as a double agent, his subsequent written statement is more sensible and cooperative than I expected, therefore while we cannot put Mr. Westerlinck forward to the services as a reliable agent, I see no reason why we should not accept the risks of trying to run him. If this is decided upon a number of decisions will have to be taken with some speed.
(1) Mr. Westerlinck's notional future as a free man will have to be decided upon. I suggest for consideration that he might be deemed to have been pushed into employment by the Belgian Authorities as a ship's doctor. Obviously this could not be done unless the Admiralty were fully informed of the facts and approved the suggestion and were prepared to provide suitable traffic. The advantages of his becoming a ship's doctor seem to me as follows:-
a. It would account for his not being accessible to acquaintances,
b. He could be sent wherever the Admiralty wanted him to go and need have no opportunity of visiting other places.
c. His reports could be spasmodic owing to his having opportunities of posting letters.
d. His traffic would be limited to Admiralty matters which might make it easier to follow out a consistent policy.
f. He is an agent of Einz Marine (I M) and as far as it is yet know to us his questionnaire deals mainly with naval matters.
g. If desired we might use Ullmann who is on Belgian ship as a source of information, unless the Admiralty are prepared to supply the whole traffic.
(2) Mr. Westerlinck's brother-in-law (the brother of Mr. Westerlinck's wife) I do not ??????? any regard for Mr. Westerlinck .
KV 2/244-2, page 83c
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think the latter (the brother of Mr. Westerlinck's wife) has any regard for Mr. Westerlinck himself, but would be only too anxious to do whatever he could to avoid a scandal arising in the family.
(3) Mr. Westerlinck's wife. I have not yet received the report on the interrogation of this lady by Captain Short and Lt. Harker. I understand however from Captain Short on the telephone that he does not think she is implicated and she seemed genuinely horrified on learning that Mr. Westerlinck had had such associations with the Germans that we found it necessary to detain him. I gather that she seemed more concerned the family honour than with the fate of her husband. If the report of the interrogation when received confirms this impression, then I suggest that the risk should be taken of releasing her and seeking her aid in sustaining the fiction that her husband was employed at sea. both the wife and brother-in-law have a strong interest in keeping up the fiction to avoid family scandal and possible reprisals to relations on occupied territories, or ill effects to Mr. Westerlinck himself, if our plans were frustrated.
(4) The various friends and acquaintances mentioned in Mr. Westerlinck's written statement of 21.5.42 could be taken care of if the wife wrote suitable letters to the individuals concerned. In the case of Litwinskis it would be desirable for Mr. Westerlinck himself to write a letter sending the equivalent of the 20 dollars he brought over.
B.1.a. 23.5.42 Sgd. D.I. Wilson.
KV 2/244-2, page 84 (minute 63b)
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B.1.b. (Mr. H.P.J. Milmo)
At our request the Plain Language Code section of the censorship have under review the German broadcasts known as Kamaradschaftsdienst für Marine (short wave broadcasts). After three months exhaustive examination it is possible to reach certain definite conclusions, which are as follows:
This document has been, in some way, connected with the Franz Mayr case in Iran (Persia of 1942 ..1943) (F810 F810return) You will notice that the name Franz Wengelewsky does appear again!
These programmes purport to contain personal messages to seamen on German vessels on the high seas (AOB: or ships being kept in neutral harbours). Superficially they appear quite harmless, and consist mainly of the usual "love and kisses" messages from relatives. Our attention was drawn, however, some time ago, to the fact that the names of certain individuals cropped up in these programmes with astonishing frequency, and as one would expect there to be a large demand for messages of this kind, it was reasonable to assume that messages from any one individual would be limited.
As a result of the examination by Plain Language Code Section, it is clear that the bulk of the messages are bona fide, but a small percentage must be included for some unkown reason. Whereas the receivers of genuine message appear never to be addressed more than once, one man called Guenther Lorenz received nine messages over a period of nine weeks; a man named Werner Geonik received six over the same period, and Walter Furland received five. (AOB: in Franz Mayr's case the name used was the nickname of his grandfather). A number of others seem to have been receiving four or three messages.
A further interesting discovery has been made. On the 30th March, a message to Franz Wengelewsky was as follows:
"Wir rufen den Kamaraden Franz Wengelewsky: Franz Wengelewsky aus Gelsenkrirchen. Die Eltern gruessen ihren lieben blauen Jungen, und wuenschen ihm und seine Besatzung eine Siegreiche Fahrt, und ein frohes Wiedersehen. Schwester Irene gruesst ihren Bruder Franz, und die Kamaraden Wagner und Krawe".
Wengelewsky has been identified as a prisoner-of-war, now in our hands, whose letters have in the past been especially examined for code. There is very little chance of confusion of identities, as the P/W has a sister called Irene. Wengelewsky was captured in June 1941, and was in England until the 26th March 1942, on which date he left for Canada (a PoW Camp awaiting them).
Guenther Lorenz is the name of an old Naval P/W, and as long ago as 1940 was found to be passing code messages on matters of Naval importance to the Germans by means of one of the official German systems.
Our enquiries are proceeding but it is not yet possible to reach any conclusions as to whether these messages may be intended for Ps/W (PoW) or whether the names of these people are being used as some cover. I do consider, however, that it would be worth while asking Ps/W in (Camp) 020, especially Westerling, what arrangements have been made for them to receive messages over the German broadcasting system.
As you know there have been many suggestions emanating from all quarters including S.I.S. abroad, that the German broadcasts are used for the transmission of messages to agents, but so far a case has never been proved. Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that the B.B.C. is used almost daily for the same purpose.
A.D.B.3 (code section within M.I.5.) 22.5.42 Sgd. M.A. Frost.
(4)
KV 2/244-3, page 5a
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Summary of Interrogation of Mr. Westerlinck.
by
Captain Short and Lieut. Harker.
Time 10.00 - 12.15 Present: Mr. Wilson, B.I.a.
Date: 19.5.42 Language: French
The purpose of this interrogation was to obtain the answers to a questionnaire compiled on 15.5.42 The summarised as follows:
First action and plans on arrival in U.K.
On arriving in London, Mr. Westerlinck had decided to go straight to the Belgian Headquarters. He knew of no hotels and no addresses other than that of his brother-in-law (the brother of his wife), with whom he would soon have got in touch.
After explaining his position to the Belgian authorities, hoped to make arrangements for reaching the Belgian Congo and intended to volunteer as a doctor in either the Belgian Army or the Red Cross. He had not considered joining up as an ordinary soldier.
2. Attitude of Mr. Westerlinck.
Although each has a very independent spirit, Mr. Westerlinck and his wife wished to remain together, if possible, and the latter meant to join as a nurse (which she was already when the coupled met for the first time in Belgian Congo before they were married), should her husband be accepted into one of the services. Neither, however, would have been very upset at an enforced separation. Mr. Westerlinck believes that his wife once mentioned the possibility of accompanying her husband to Congo (please notice my foregoing remarks), to ?avaux in Lisbon.
3. First communication to Lisbon.
Mr. Westerlinck stated that answers to the questionnaire given him by the Germans were to be sent entirely at his own discretion, and that his first communication would be merely be a postcard announcing his safe arrival in England. This could be worded in arranged language, and sent to M. Goncalves, proprietor of the Pension Beiramar at Estoril (nice coastal village (place), west of Lisbon) or alternatively he might write a friendly letter to
M. Reemaekers(De Raeymacker) enclosing a card hiding a message in code 111 (please consider: G813 G813return) for forwarding to M. Bettencourt (merely a post-box name) c/o Ormus Ltd, Caixa Postal 527, Lisbon (please notice: H814 H814return) The address of this first communication, however, would most likely be made to M. Goncalves, and Mr. Westerlinck would the card with his own address, so that when enquiries were made for him at the Pesion Beiramar by a French-speaking agent, posing as his friend, his whereabouts might be learnt by the Germans.Subsequent communications containing information were to be sent through
M. Reemaekers(De Raeymacker) in Code 111 form. Just before leaving Portugal Mr. Westerlinck had askedReemaeckers(De Raeymacker) to forward all letters beginning "Cher Ami" to the Bettencourt address, giving De Raeymacker the impression that he and his correspondent were carrying on some kind of illegal business such as a black market, and their relations were of a semi-friendly, semi-business nature. This measure was taken to evade the British Censorship, Orsmers (Orsners is the correct spelling) being a German firm. Thus, all coded communication to the Germans would be enclosed in the form of a normal letter with a friendly letter to De Raeymacker.Having given his explanation, Mr. Westerlinck was told to compose a specimen first and second communication to Lisbon with the supposition in mind that he was in? London after preliminary detainment of a week which every alien and ??? ?rival from abroad, and waiting to hear whether he could pro-??? It was made clear to him (Mr. Westerlinck) that his cooperation was ???? proceedings would be taken on any statement he made? →
KV 2/244-3, page 6b
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??? three messages are addressed to - (a) Goncalvers, (L821 L821return) (b) - De Raeymacker - and (c) "Cher Ami" for enclosure with a letter to De Raeymacker.
After a warning not to attempt to deceive the British authorities, should he be asked to communicate in reality with the Germans, pointed out that although he, himself, would act in all good faith, a misunderstanding might arise through letters written by his wife (Mme. Westerlinck) to Mrs. De Raeymacker or others in Lisbon, since Belgians corresponding in different countries use the same conventional phrases.
4. Secret Inks.
Mr. Westerlinck stated that he had been instructed in only one form of secret ink writing, namely ???? diluted in a 45% solution of pure alcohol. He had been told in Bremen (at Nest Bremen) that undiluted pure alcohol was not satisfactory. The Germans had supposed that he would find it fairly easy to obtain pure alcohol as he was a doctor, but suggested that as an alternative, whisky or gin could be used. Mr. Westerlinck was confident of being able to gauge the quantity needed.
He maintained that the ????? found in his property, was intended only for use as a medicine, and he had no idea that it contained secret ink properties.
Mr. Westerlinck confirmed having no other post-box for secret ink letters besides that Pierre Dubois, Jaoa Simoes, to whom he once had to write, after having arrived in Lisbon. no longer exists as a post-box.
5. Other points concerning communication.
(a) Although letters in secret ink would be typewritten, those sent in code through De Raeymacker were were to be written by hand on any kind of note but since Mr. Westerlinck would send them by air mail, he would choose thin air mail paper.
(b) Questioned as to whether his brother-in-law was expecting their arrival, Mr. Westerlinck stated that if the former had written either to him or to his wife Mme. Westerlinck in Portugal since their departure, De Raeymacker would almost certainly have replied to his brother-in-law direct, informing him that they were should? due to arrive in England.
(c) Mr. Westerlinck considered that either Mr. Javaux or Mr. Gonze might well have written to the Belgian authorities in London concerning their arrival.
(d) Mr. Westerlinck was adamant that the Germans had given him no address in England with which to correspond. As a proof that he was telling the truth he suggested that, should a contact be established with the Germans, he could ask them to name a correspondent in England who would aid him.
(Sgd) R. Short
Camp 020 19.5.42
KV 2/244-3, page 17 (minute 54a)
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PF 408262 ? B.1.a./ DIW (D.I. Wilson)
Colonel Allen,
G.P.O.
I enclose two letters both dated 15.5.42 addressed to Monsieur et Madame de Reemaecker (De Raeymacker), Hotel D'Inglaterra, Estoril, Portugal, and Monsieur Goncalves, Patron de la Pensao Beiramar, Estoril Portugal.
I would be grateful if you will have both these letters post-marked London, W.1., with the time of the last collection on 15.5.42. The letters should be dispatched by airmail and should bear different censorship labels previously used on letters dispatched on our behalf.
In view of the date of these letters I imagine they will not require to be held to be held for normal censorship delays.
20.5.42. Sgd. on behalf of T.A. Robertson (Major)
Please be always aware, that the KV 2/xxx series are always running with progressing page-numbers backwards in time; with the exception of the so-called minute sheets.
KV 2/244-3, page 31a
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Specimen letter drafted by Showing Code 111 in action.
Hidden Message:
Convoi Part 23 Courant Glassgow Pour Gibraltar Fabrique Tank Moyens Beardmore Works Slough Product Par Mois Hull Base Sous Marins Hawker Bristol Endomage Recents Raids.
Written Letter (in French language):
Cher Ami,
Comme promis voici ma premiere lettre que vous enhantera sand aucun doute. Ce Il y a dix jours deja nous inhalons, surement avec plaisir, L'air Anglais! Londres est epatant! Notre charmante maison est vraiment chiquement installe et es situe aux limites urbaines (extra-muros) come vous entendez, je suis satisfait au "Sumum"! et espere que perdure longuement ce merveilleux delice. Tot va donc a souhait ici. Car ausurplus, le beau temps s'y mele egalment aujourhui. Reellement cela nous rapelle un peu le charme printanier de l'Estoril ainsi que de Cascais. Tout compte fait "Strouril" garde cependant nos douces sympathies parceque en outr nous avond la de joyeux amis, excellents anciens fideles camarades ayant partage durant des mois notre destinee. Ici nous recontrons tout le temps beaucoupe d'amis, tot exiles de Belgique et Hollande,gens du bon monde sympatic.
Malheuresement und bonne fonction payante est difficil a trouver! Toutefois il y a des possibilites que deans les tros ou quatre semaines un changement a'opere, ce qui pourrait me procurer ce que je desire. Au milieu de "moultes" citoyens patriotes, je peux fermenent compter quelques appuis solides. J'attends pariement puisque ättendre cést vivre" ... quoique tout-le-temps attandre coute au systeme cerebral! Assurement tout nos malchances finiront bien sous peu: j'ecrirai quoi!
Le voyage destination Colonie est toujours possible egalement nonobstant que c'est fortement douteux. Actuellement beaucoup desirent fort s'y rendre. Cependant peu sont les autorisations accordees.
KV 2/244-3, page 32b
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Evidement ancien Congolais, prioorite pourrait sobtenir. Maintes places coloniales conferees a de nouweaux titulaires restent automatiquement tiutes occupees a present. Reussir en cela serait certainement unde merveille. Eventuellement nous irons alors visiter d'abord nos chers amis de labas. Nous avons revu Maurice lequel debordait de joie en voyant Maddy. La recontre etait emotionnant. Camille etait du parti. Il conduisait nuitamment la joyeuse bande, vuisitant quelques clubs. Cette tournee nocturne nous a donne pleinnement gout a la bonne vie des personnes charmantes d'ici. Charles est toujours maladif. Come vous saves cette personne souffre depuis quartorze mois: affecte aux deux poumons (Bronchite compliquee d'asthme). Son epouse fortement courageuse apporte au pauvre un appui moral elogeux. Voila tout concernemant nous autres ici.
Permettez que je parle maintenant au-sujet de las chose en litige pour nous: 1°) Bracelet platine de Maddy pourra se vendre au total etabli recemment, quoique changement eventuel pourra etre donne sur evuation experte: Estrada Benfica, que je vous indiquais dernierement en Novembre. Egalement 2°) je vous donne l'autorisation concernant echange de mille escudos. Je conseille de voir labas quelles valeurs - actions sont vendues favorablement. Achetez pour la quantite en reserve. 3°) Remets aux Torn quatre dollors provenant de la simple plus value des ventes de leurs actions "Sofina". Rappelez nous au bon cordial souvenir de tous nos chers familiers ensamble, de la traversa Pereira. Pour terminer encore un petit service quant a nos paquets ravitaillements. Envoyez regulierement toutes les semaines des sardines (quatre specimens de differentes sortes a a ma soeur Gaaby a Nous. Cette adresse vous est d'ailleurs connue.
Je vous remercie de tout ce que vous voulez bien faire pour nous et vous presente, cher Ami, mes bien cordiale salutations.
Sgd. ???
N.B. Je crois qu'il vaudrait mieux que je tape cela personnellement a la machine a cause des fautes mecessadres.
KV 2/244-3, page 33c
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Written Letter Showing Hidden Message using Code 111. M824 M824return
Please - ↕ digest the content yourself.
KV 2/244-3, page 34d
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KV 2/244-3, page 38a + 39b (minute 41a)
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PF 408262/B.1.b./HPM 16th May, 1942
Dear Mrs. Lee, (of the Home Office)
I write to give you formal notification of the detention in Camp 020 of Mme. and Mr. Westerlinck and to apply for 12(5A) Detention Orders against this man and his wife, Magdalena Elisa Maria. You will remember that I spoke to you over the telephone about these people, when I made arrangements for Mme. Westerlinck to be taken direct to Holloway Gaol (Prison).
Mr. Westerlinck is a Belgian subject who arrived at Poole Airport from Lisbon, with his wife, on the 5.5.42 Mr. Westerlinck is aged 42. His wife is 55. Mr. Westerlinck is a doctor of medicine, and is specialist in tropical medicines.
Mr. Westerlinck first came to our knowledge in the autumn of 1940, when he was busily engaged in Lisbon working on behalf of the Germans, inducing Belgian seamen to desert their ships, and making arrangements for their repatriation, through the German Consulate. At this stage there was reason to believe that the doctor's activities went considerably further, and that he may have been acting as a recruiting agent for the German Secret Service. As a result of further information which came to us from most reliable source (Most Secret Source = Bletchley Park decrypts, be it ISOS manual codes; or ISK machine codes such as Enigma messages), we were given strong reason to suspect that Mr. Westerlinck had been trained as a German agent to work in the Belgian Congo and in this country en route there. (AOB: this circumstance would have made prosecution based on Treachery unlikely; because he brought in no prohibited means such as weapon, transmitters and that like. This had been acknowledged already in this file before; what might also have count, is, that he did not enter Britain without legal permission, as he and his wife possessed legal visas) Arrangements were accordingly made for his arrest at the port on arrival (thus a trap was setup), and he was duly taken to Camp 020, where he has made a reasonably full confession.
Mr. Westerlinck admits that he has been employed and trained by German Secret Service since his return from Lisbon in October 1940. He was taken to Bremen, where he received training in espionage, and subsequently returned to Lisbon, via Brussels and Paris. When in this country, he had instructions to supply to the Germans espionage information (which he had had no change of commencing) both by secret ink, and by means of a highly ingenious plain language code (Code 111). Amongst his possession there have been found tablets of ??? which was the basic substance of his secret writing material.
The case against Mr. Westerlinck is of course overwhelming, but so far as his wife is concerned it must be considered (understood???) that we have no direct evidence that she is implicated. Nevertheless, her case is very similar to that of O?lly Hirsch. Though out the long period during which Mr. Westerlinck was being trained as a German Secret Service agent, she (Mme. Westerlinck) has been living with him. She has travelled with him on his journeys (??) between Belgium and Bremen, and from Belgium to Lisbon (en route via Paris). During this period Mr. Westerlinck had no ostensible means of support, his only remuneration (income/payment) being that given him by the German Secret Service. It is submitted that, in the face of these circumstances, it is impossible to believe that Mme. Westerlinck was wholly unaware of that her husband was doing, or that she can have been under any real illusions as to the closeness of his connection with the Abwehr. In our view it would be most prejudicial to the national interest that she should be at large, and we accordingly recommend the making 12(5A) Order against her. (AOB, though, she was set at liberty in a few weeks time; though under certain conditions)
I must ask you to treat this as one of the special cases.
Yours sincerely,
Sgd. H.P. Milmo
Mrs. K.G. Lee,
Home Office.
KV 2/244-3, page 40a (minute 30c?)
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Translation (French into English) of Further Notes Submitted by Mr. Westerlinck At Camp 020.
Date 9.5.42.
With reference to: (a) his statement of 8.5.42
(b) interrogation of 8.5.42.
The address of Fräulein Steltjens in Berne is approximately Anbau-Sportweg No. 2. The name of the correspondent or rather the female correspondent in Chile is - Piderit - (views more as a brand-name on behalf of I.G. Farben-Industries) - I don't know at all the name of the street. The town is - Santiago de Chile.
The addresses written down in my (Mr. Westerlinck's) little pocket diary, refer to news sent by friends in Portugal. These individuals obviously have nothing to do with the German Secret Service affair.
On several occasions I have spoken to you of the Avenue van Ryswyck, where there is a large building occupied by German soldiers. It is here that I met for the first time two Bremen gentlemen accompanied by Mr. Bertram.-(Dr. Bremer and another and another whose name I don't know, and whom I have never seen again). At the entrance to the building there were soldiers on guard, who produced a registration book - (name - profession - reason for visit, etc.). It was after completing this formality that I met the gentlemen in question, in a handsome apartment in the rez-de-chaussee. I always thought that it was here that Bertram lived. It is not possible that the headquarters of the German Secret Service in in Antwerp would be here? Naturally only a theory.
This morning I tried to think of the official status of Hauptmann Schulte in the C.M.B (?). Schulte is the assistant of the Director of Administration in the C.M.B. The first Director of Administration was a certain Schmidt whom I have never seen. His successor - the present director - is called Amerinck (AOB: might well have been an alias) (or more or less like this), and I do not know him either.
One day when I expressed astonishment at receiving no reply to my last telegram sent to Bremen, Mlle, X. (Tampen's secretary said to me: "Yes, there has again been a change in the management of the Bremen organisation (AOB: Nest Bremen, actually was a subsidiary branch of Ast Hamburg; Wehrkreis X), and .... it's not the first nor the last time".
Another day Mr. Ackermann expressed a similar opinion.
...
KV 2/244-4, page 12b
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Code 2.
Code w. is a wireless code and is known to the Germans as the three X (XXX) code. It is first of all necessary to write down on lined paper the alphabet.
In addition it is necessary to utilize the special code word, which in Mr. Westerlinck's case was 'Wurstbad'. It was imperative that this word given should be eight letters. Again, in addition, it was necessary to use the day of the week, the month of the year, plus a special number given to each agent, in the following manner:
Day + Month + Special Number = Starting number
6 + 5 + 8 = 19
A long vertical strip of paper was prepared on which the alphabet is written. To compile this long strip of paper the name 'Wurstbad" is written and the alphabet placed in the following manner
W u r s t b a d
KV 2/244-4, page 13b (minute 32a)
Crown Copyright
XXX Code.
Please digest the content of the above page yourself.
KV 2/244-4, page 14d (minute 32a)
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Code 3. Quadrat.
The third wireless code is known to the Germans as the Quadrat Code, and it must be pointed out at the beginning that the verbal explanation is extremely difficult, whereas a practical demonstration of the code in operation - while not being simple - is readily understandable.
The alphabet is written in a square grid containing 49 smaller squares, in the following manner:-
Crown Copyright
It should be noted that it is necessary to write the alphabet twice to completely fill up all the squares. The letter's 'e' however is excluded in the first and second aplphabet, and the letter 'z' is in the second alphabet.
To commence Coding it is first of all necessary to add the date of the month and the month of the year together. i.e. Today being 6th of May the codenumber for today's transmission would 11. The 11th letter on the grid code is 'b'.
The 15 letters following 'b' are set out in the manner shown below:-
b l v d x t q c w h c i j k d
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
1 10 13 4 15 12 11 2 14 6 3 7 8 9 5
the numbers being given in accordance with their position in the alphabet.
here it must be noted that if two letters appear, such as 'c' in the above, the second 'c', in the above, the second 'c' is given a number immediately following the first.
KV 2/244-4, page 15e
Crown Copyright
Please: consider the figures yourself
Having reached this point a further grid is prepared in oblong form, having 15 squares across the top and down. This may be duplicated below, and to assist, a grid so prepared is shown up above:-
To take the place of the grid with blanks which hitherto has been supplied by the Germans and superimposed over the squared paper, the numbers shown above (see foregoing page 14d) present the squares in which the letter 'z' is inserted. This can best be understood by reference to the diagram shown above.
A message in French has been inserted, and it is important to realize that an accent is shown by the letter 'a', as in example, the third word 'tres' is shown as 'tre(z')as'. The remaining squares on the grid can be filled up with x or y, and if a message overlaps the grid, further squares can be added (from left to right) as desired.
The code message is then prepared in groups of five in the following manner:-
Please consider the lower figure
But the 5th and 7th group are prepared from a separate code and indicate the day of the week, the hour of transmission, the number of the telegram and the coded number upon which the whole system is based. This code is, in fact, the first twelve of the first grid. These letters are numbered as follows:-
o u q a m i y p b l v d
. . . . . . . . . . . .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0 0
Thus the groups of five letters for the 5th and 7th square are produced from this arrangement.
KV 2/244-4, page 16f
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To Build Up 5th and 7th Groups.
These two groups contain:
Date. Hour. Number of Message. Code Number.
. . . .
06 09.00 01 11
Thus in code (see key bottom of above page 15e)
Call Sign.
The call sign is built up in the following manner:-
Day + Month
= 6 + 5 = 11 = b
From the first grid take 3 letters diagonally from left to right, starting from the key letter (in this case 'b', being the 11th letter in the grid.
i.e. bwm.
The German Receiving Station employ exactly the reverse method, i.e. Working from 'g' (middle of second row from last) and reading upwards diagonally from right to i.e. g x j.
Unfortunately, the rest of the remaining references
aren't of essential interest to us.
What might remain, is, the file KV 2/2424 titled:
Plain language code in letters and telegrams. Examples of plain language codes and steganographic techniques
By Arthur O. Bauer
