Overseas Information Department

The successor department of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to the Information Research Department (which was shut down in 1978. It was subsequently turned into the Information Department in the 1980s.

A propagandist recalls

In my 20 years' experience in the Information Research Department (later the Overseas Information Department) of the Foreign Office, I don't believe I ever saw a spy pass a glass door (report, "Fay Weldon reveals role in Cold War against Poland", November 30). Certainly no one ever told me not to look. Nor would I have expected anyone in his right mind to announce the imminent passage of spies: the temptation to peek would have been overwhelming. It would all be a bit of a hoot, but for the caption to the picture - "Weldon: went from writing fiction to writing fiction". IRD, with many talented academics, specialists, researchers and journalists, could not have existed if the accuracy of its material had been in doubt. - Yours etc, Aubrey Essex, 25 South Parade, Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 3NP. aubex@aol.com

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