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PARTI !
92
THE CIRCUMSTANCES
LEADING TO THE RESIGNATION OF THE
FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR,
Mr. J. D. PROFUMO
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. .. .~ . - -- -92 -'~1=w~.~.-ir'~ i! Stephen Ward - ..-_ _ up
IO. The story must start with Stephen Ward. aged 50. The son of a
clergyman, by profession he was an osteopath with consulting rooms at
38, Devonshire Street, W. l. His skill was very considerable and he included
among his patients many well-known people. He was also an accomplished
portrait artist. His sitters included people of much eminence. He had a
quick and easy manner of conversation which attracted some but repelled
others. It pleased him much to meet people in high places, and he was prone
to exaggerate the nature of % acquaintanceships -vith them. He would s,-xek
of many of them as if they were great friends when. more often than not, he
had only treated them as patients or drawn their portraits.
11. Yet he was at the same time utterly immoral. He had a small house
or at in London at 17, Wimpole Mews, W. 1., and a country cottage on
the Cliveden Estate next to the River Thames. He used to pick up pretty
girls of the age of I6 or 1?, often from night clubs, and induce them to
come and stay with him at his house in London. He used to take these
girls down at week-ends to his cottage. He seduced many of these himself.
He also procured them to be mistresses for his inuential friends. He did not
conne his attention to promiscuity. He catered also for those of his friends
who had perverted -tastes. There is evidence that he was ready to arrange
for whipping and other sadistic performances. He kept collections of
pornographic photographs. He attended parties where there were sexual
orgies of a revolting nature. In money matters he was improvident. He did
not keep a banking account. He got a rm of solicitors to keep a sort of
banking account for him, paying in cheques occasionally to them and getting
them to pay his rent. More often he cashed his incoming cheques through
other people; or paid his bills with the incoming cheques. He had many cash
transactions which left no trace. " _
12. -Finally, he admired the Soviet regime and sympathised with the
Communists. He used to advocate their cause in conversation with his
patients. so much so that several became suspicious of him. With others he
was more discreet. He became very friendly with a Russian. Captain Eugene
Ivanov. To him I now turn.
ii! Eugene lunar -
13. Captain Eugene Ivanov ! was an assistant Russian Naval Attache
at the Russian Embassy in London. As such his role would be diplomatic
oniy. He came to this country on 27th Iviarch. i966. But the 3ii'v'§E
discovered that he was also a Russian Intelligence Oicer. He had :..
not normally found in a Russian oieer in this country. His I was
reasonably good and he was able to converse easily. He H .
a good deal and was something of a ladies man. He was ' "ii" 1; ' eet
people in this country. He was very impressed by persons of title.
! He was Captain 2nd Rank. in the USSR Navy equivalent to Commander in the
Royal Navy. "
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peers of the realm. He lost opportunityot
viewpoint He Wu. to Stephen Ward.
Communist and also a nice person . And he w
position. Right from the start he would tell his you
say goes back to Moscow. Loolr',_out what you ta_y. ____ °_:". _- -.1 .-..t_ _ _. -.1 .
- l4. Stephen Ward and Captain Ivanov became great triende. Captain
Ivanov was often down at the cottage at Cliveden at week-ends. He visited
Stephen War-ds house in London. They met in restaurants. They often played
bridge together. Stephen Ward introduced him to many of his friends. both
those of high rank and also the girls. And Stephen Ward lost no opportunity
of helping him, as the events show. - - " " - = s ' *
15. It has been suggested to me that lvanov lled a new role in Russian
technique. It was to divide the United Kingdom from the United States by
these devious means. If Ministers or prominent people can be placed in
compromising situations, or made the subject of damaging rumour. or the
Security Service can be made to appear incompetent, it may weaken the
mnlidew of the Unit Sta% in our integrity and So a mm:
like Captain tlvanov may take every opportunity of getting to know Ministers
or prominent people--not so much to obtain inlormation from them though
this would be 'a useful by-product!~but so as to work towards destroying
condence. If this were the object of Captain Ivanov with Stephen Ward ashistoolhesuooeededonlytoowell. ~ -- ~ *- -
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iii!Clu1stine' l'KeeIes'
16. Christine Keeler is a girl,"now' aged 2l,whose home is at Wraysbury.
She left home at the age of 16 and went to London.iSh'e was soon employed
at the Murray Cabaret Club as a showgir1, which involved.'as she put it.
just walking around with no clothes on. She had onlybeen at the Cabaret
Club a short time when Stephen Ward came there and they danced together.
Thereafter he often telephoned her and took her out.,After a very few days
he asked her to go and live with him. She went. She ran away from him
many times but she always went back. He seemed to control her. She lived
with him at 17, Wimpole Mews; from about June, 1961, to March, 1962. He
took her to his country cottage at Cliveden and he introduced her to many
men, sometimes men of rank and position. with whom she had sexual
intercourse. A jury has since found him guilty on a charge of living on the
earnings of her prostitution.! She had undoubted physical attractions. Later
on he introduced her also to the drug Indian hemp and she became addicted
to it. She met coloured men who traiclted in it and she went to live with
them. 5 e y
iv! Mr. Proflullo - ' '
1'7. Mr. Profumo was Secretary of State for War fmlt f-." I960. I0
June, 1963. He is now aged 48. He had a line war record e to the
rank of brigadier. He entered Parliament in 1940 but lost _ in 1945.
In 1950 he came back as the Member for the S - or
Warwickshire. He has a distinguished record of service to the country. He
was Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil
Aviation 952!, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies
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1'951! and Under-Secretary later Minister of State, Foreign Oee lQ5_8
and in 1960 hebecame Secretary ot State for War. No one can doujhls
a man with such a reoord was entitled. to the condence or his
and oi the country: and it should not be assumed by anyone that
give away secret information. Whatever indiscretions he may have
and whatever falsehoods he may have told, no one who has given evidence
before me has doubted his loyalty. In particular there was no reason for the
Security Service to suspect it. ~ _" _- ~ - I ~ -- - -
18. Mr. Profumo married in 1954 Miss Valerie Hobson, a talented
actress. and her support of him over their diicult days is one of the most
redeeming features of the events I have to describe. .
v! Ln!!! .A_l!ot'
I9. Lord Astor succeeded his father in 1952 and inherited the estate at
Cliveden. He had previously taken an active part in politics but since that
time he has devoted himself to his private aairs and to charities in which
he is interested. He has clone valuable work for hospitals, particularly the
Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital at Cliveden. He has done a great
deal for refugees. and has been all over the world on their behalf. He has
provided a large sum as a Foundation for scientic and other studies. He
has played an important part in many educational and social charities. He
has also important business interests. He inherited a famous stud of
racehorses.-which he manages himself. and also a farm of 250 acres.
20. Cliveden is one of the great houses of the country. It is owned by
the National Trust but the present Lord Astor is the tenant. He has upheld
its tradition of hospitality. He has guests staying most week-ends and often
friends for meals. They include the names of some of the most distinguished
and respected people in the land.
21-. Lord Astor got to know Stephen Ward in 1950 when he went to him
as a patient after a fall at hunting. Stephen Ward treated him well and cured
him. Ever since that time Lord Astor has sent him many of his friends as
patients.
22. In 1956 Lord Astor let Stephen Ward a cottage on the Cliveden
Estate. The cottage was down by the river, while the big house is on top of
the hill. T 0 get from the cottage to the house it is a quarter to half a mile:
steep walk, or one mile by road. Stephen Ward used to come up at week-ends
and give osteopathic treatment to Lord Astor and to those of his guests who
desired it. The account, including payment for the guests, was charged to
Lord Astor.'Stephen Ward often had visitors at this cottage. Usually they
came for the day, and remained down at the cottage. When Stephen Ward
;wcnt to the big house to give treatment he went by himself. Gr: cutaneous,- *
Lord Astor invited him to come up to Cliveden for lunch or for
' 1'1,-
23. Lord Astor had no sympathy with Stephen Wards p0liIidf5IiII
and made it clear to him. But at the pressing request of Stephen H
did on occasions help him in approaching the Foreign Otce es will appear
later!, but not in any way sponsoring his views.
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24. Lord Astorhashelped Stephen Wardwithmoneyfro h tntimet
In 1952. when Stephen Ward starting. not yet +- --I pletiee,
Lord Astor lent him £1,250. which Stephen Ward repaid over .;-weedingyears by professional serviees. And Lo'rdAstor has on -~- p ednneed
sums to him since. on the understanding that it was an advance to be repaid
by expenses of treatment. In May, 1963, Stephen Ward opened a banking
account and Lord Astor guaranteed an overdraft up to £1,500. This was
because Stephen Ward anticipated legal expenses and also desired to acquire
"premises fc: an oice and residence. All the receipts from his practice and
elsewhere were to go towards repayment. . _ - - - ' .-
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25. Stephen Ward often expressed a wish to go to Moscow. He wanted
to draw pictures oi the personalities there, particularly Mr. Khrushchev. He
told this to the Editor of a newspaper who was a patient of his. The Editor
happened to have met Captain Ivanov: and invited Stephen Ward to lunch
and meet him. This was on 20th January, 1961. Stephen Ward took an
immediate liking to Captain Ivanov. He began to enlist Ivanovs help to
arrange sittings with Mr. Khrushchev. The Security Service got to know oi
their friendship and on Bth June, 1961, saw Stephen Ward about it. A few
weeks later came the Cliveden week-end. .
i! The Swimming Pool '
26. The week-end of Saturday, 8th July, 1961, to Sunday, 9th July, 1961,
is of, critical importance. Lord and Lady Astor had a large party of
distinguished visitors to their great house at Cliveden. They included
Mr. Profurno, the Secretary of State for War, and his wife, Mrs. Profumo,
who stayed the week-end. Other visitors came to meals but did not stay the
night. Stephen Ward entertained some young girls at his cottage. One of these
was Christine Keeler, who was then living with him. Captain Ivanov came
down on the Sunday. There is a ne swimming pool in the grounds at Cliveden
near the main house, and Lord Astor, on occasions, allowed Stephen Ward
to use it with his friends so long as it did not clash with his own use of it.
27. On the Saturday, after nightfall, Stephen Ward and some of the
girls were bathing in the swimming pool when one of them, Christine Keeler,
whilst she was in the water. took as her bathing costume, threw it on the
hank, and bathed naked. Soon afterwards Lord Astor and a party of his
visitors walked down after dinner to the swimming pool to watch the bathing.
Lord Astor and Mr. Profumo walked ahead of Lady Astor, Mrs. Profumo
and the others. Christine Keeler rushed to get her swimming costume.
Stephen Ward threw it on one side so that she could not get it at once and
Christine seized a towel to hide herself. Lord Astor and Mr. Profnmo arrived
at this moment, and it was all treated as a piece of funit was over in a few
minutes, for the ladies saw nothing indecent at all. Stephen Ward and the
girls afterwards got dressed and went up to the house and joined the party for
a little while.
28. On the Sunday, after lunch, Stephen Ward and the
Captain Ivanov went to the swimming pool. Later Lord Astor and
his party came down to swim too. There was a light-hearted. »"- »
bathing party, where everyone was in bathing costumes and --- ~=- ' ~f v ~ I
took place at all. Photographs were taken by Mr. Protumo and » They
showed, oi course, that Mr. Profumo was there with some of but
nothing improper whatever. r '
29. Captain Ivanov left Cliveden in the early evening and took ChristineKeeler hac fwitkhim to town. They went to Stephen Ward's house and there
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drank a good deal and there were perhaps some kind of sexual
Captain Ivanov left the house before Stephen Ward himael! hack atmidnight. But Captain Ivanov never became the lover of " -
,, ' - "Li",--. . . :'..'_nt:§..§?~1.""
_.' ,1 . _ 1 1.. : _e -
. . ii! Mr.lroh|no| Association vrlthClsristineKek;-=_= _.'
30. It is apparent that during this week-end Mr. Profumo was much
attracted by Christine Keeler "and determined to see her again, if -he could.
This was. of course. easy, through Stephen Ward. In the next few days and
weeks Mr. Profumo made assignations with Christine Keeier. He visited
her_ at Stephen Ward's house and had sexual intercourse with her there.Sometimes he called at a time when Stephen Ward or _someone_ _else_'was_
there. He would then take her for adrive yuntilgthe coast was clear. On one
occasion he did not use his own car'_because his wife had it in the country;
He used a car belonging to a Minister which had a mascot on it. He drove
her to see Whitehall and Downing Street._also Regent's Park. Mr. Profumo
wrote two or three notes to Christine Keeler and gave her one ortwoppresents
such as perfume and a cigarette lighter. She said her parents were badly oil
and he gave her £20 for them, _realising.that thiswas a polite way on her
part of asking for money for her services. In August. 1961, whilst his wife
was in the lsle of Wight. he took Christine Keeler to his own house in
Regents Park. Altogether I am satised that his object in visiting her was
simply because he was attracted by her and desired sexual intercourse with
her. 1t has been suggested that Captain Ivanov was her lover also. I do not
think he was. The night of Sunday, 9th July. 1961, was an isolated occasion.
l think that Captain Ivanov went to Stephen Ward: house for social
entertainment and conversation. and not for sexual intercourse. I do not
believe that Captain lvanov and Mr. Profurno ever met in Stephen Ward's
house or in the doorway. They did no doubt narrowly miss one another on
occasions: and this aorded Stephen Ward "and Christine Keeler much
amusement. Later on a great deal has been made of this episode. It has
been suggested that Captain Ivanov and Mr. Profnmo were sharing her
services. I do not accept this suggestion.! _ " "I "
iii! The Request for Information. ' - -_
3!. About this time, probably during the Cliveden week-end. Captain
Ivanov told Stephen Ward that the Russians knew as a fact that the American
Government had taken a decision to arm Western Germany with atomic
weapons, and he asked Ward to nd out through his inuential friends
when this decision was to he implemented. Without saying so in so many
words. Captain Ivanov with some subtlety implied that if Stephen 'Ward
supplied the answer his trip to Moscow would be facilitated.
32. One of the most critical points in my inquiry is thil: Did Stephen
Ward ask Christine Keeler to obtain from M1. Profumo ' ' _ as to
the time when the Americans were going to supply "the ' bomb to
Germany? If he did ask her, it was probably at this time ii.-11" , I961:
for it was the very thing that Captain ivanov had -"inlaid to
nd out from his inuential friends. I am very dubious about her recollection
about this. She has given several dilierent versionso! it and put it at-dierent
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dates. She once said it was at the time of the Cuban crisis in Octobq
The truth about it_is,I_thin_Ir,.this: There wasagoodpresence. between Stephen _Ward and Captain Ivanov. about ' thisinformation. And Stephen Ward may well have turned to her
You ought to ask Jack Profumo! about it . But I do not think I Bl
said as seriously as-it has since been reported. Stephen Ward said to me
and here I believed him!, y _ _
" Quite honestly, nobody in their right senses would have asked
somebody like Christine Keeler to obtain any information of that sort
from Mr. Profumo-he would have jumped out of his skin. ;
If said at all by Stephen Ward, it was, I believe, not said seriously expecting
her to act on it. I am quite satised that she never acted" on it. She
me, and I believed her, that she never asked Mr. Profumo for the informatitm.
Mr. P1-ofurno was also clear that she never asked him. and I am quite sure
that he would not have told her if she had asked him. Later on a great deal
has been made of this episode. I think the importance of it has been greatly
exaggerated-!.: _ _ I . e _ g
iv! Sir Norman Brook's Warning
33. On the 31st July, 1961, the Head of the Security Service suggested
to Sir Norman Brook the then Secretary of the Cabinet, now Lord
Normanbrook! that it might be useful for him to have a word with
Mr. Profumo about Stephen Ward and Captain Ivanov. I will deal with
the reasons for this later when I deal with the operation of the Security
Service.! In accordance with this request on 9th August, I961, Sir Norman
Brook suggested to Mr. Profumo that he should be careful in his dealings
with Stephen Ward. I-Ie said there were indications that Stephen Ward might
be interested in picking up scraps of information and passing them on to
Captain Ivanov. Mr. Profutno was grateful for the warning. He told
Sir Norman that he met Captain Ivanov at the Cliveden week-end and
then, after. the encounter at Cliveden, he saw Captain Ivanov at a reception
at the Soviet Embassy. On that occasion Captain Ivanov seemed to make
a special point of being civil to him. These were the only two occasions on
which Mr. Profumo had come across Captain Ivanov. On the other hand he
was better acquainted with Stephen Ward. Mr. Profumo went on to say
that many people knew Stephen Ward and it might be helpful if warning
were given to others too. I-le mentioned the name of another Cabinet
Minister whom Sir Norman afterwards did warn. Sir Norman Brook referred
rather delicately to another matter which had been suggested by the Head
of the Security Service. Was it possible to do anything to persuade Ivanov
to help us? But Mr. Profumo thought he ought to keep well away from it.
34. It has been suggested that Sir Norman Brook went his
province at this pointzand that be ought to have reported to _
Minister, and not taken it upon himseli to speak to Mr.
this criticism is based on a misapprehension. Neither the
nor Sir Norman Brook had any doubts of Mr. Profumo. They
that he was having an aliair with Christine Keeler and
suspect it. I~ have seen a note made by Sir Norman Broo
all that he as told by the Head of the Security Service.% I3 __
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Mr. Protumo of this possibility. Furthermore there was a tho Captain
were very suitable for the Secretary of the Cabinet to sunk Q 3&5. but
hardly such as to need the intervention of the Prime Mhister."r_'_ 1' "
L 35. It was on Wednesday. 9th August. 1961, that Sir Norman Brook
iplie to Mr. Prof-ans. It %e, a lwmiderahle iznp-'essI"vn en. Mr.
Profumo thought that the _Security Service musthave gotiknowledge of his
affair with Christine Keeler: and that the real object of Sir Norman's call
on him though not expressed! was politely to indicate that his assignations
with Christine Keeler should cease. It so happened that Mr. Profumo had
already arranged to see her the next night Thursday, 10th August! but.
as soon as Sir Norman left, he took steps to cancel the arrangement.
~ v!'IheDarling'Letter .
36. On the very same day as Sir Norman Brook spoke to him, Mr.
Frofumo wrote this letter to Keeier: 1 . _
1 918161 Darling, ' - ' ' " *-
In great haste and because I can get no reply from your phone-
Alas something: blown up tomorrow night and I cant therefore
make it. Pm terribly sorry especially as I leave the next day for various
trips and then a holiday so won't be able to see you again until some
time in September. Blast it. Please take great care of yourself and don't
run away. _ _ Love L r
P.S. I'm writing this oos I know you're off for the day tomorrow
and I want you to know before you go if I still cant reach you by phone.
' 37. I am satised that that letter, if not the end, was the beginning of
the end of the association between Mr. Profumo and Christine Keeler. He
may have seen her a few times more but that was ail. It meant also that
he stopped seeing Stephen Ward. Sir Norman Brook's talk had had its effect
on him. Mr. Profumo only saw Stephen Ward again about the end of
January, 1963, when there was a fear that his association with Christine
Keeler would be made public. It has been said in some quarters that Mr.
Profumo went on visiting Christine K%:' in 1962 when sh: was in %iphirt
Square. Lucky Gordon gave evidence before me to this eect. So did a
man called Hogan. They said they knew it was Mr. Profumo by having
seen his photographs in the newspapers. I found myself unable to swept
their evidence. Mr. Hogan had given a story to a newspaper that he was
butler to Christine Keeler and took up coee on two -_ to Mr.
Profumo and Christine Keeler in bed. He told me that he -'ned a
contract for £600 for this story to be split between him and
reporters. But he was not a butler at all. He was a carpet ~i _.
rosin it diicult to x a definite date for the end of the
Mr. Profumo was seen by the Chief Whip on 4m February, -g___ __ ,_ _
it had all taken place between July and December of 1961', and
statement in the House of Commons on 22nd March, 1963. he Ill.
14
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F>Isaw Miss Keeler in December, I961, and I have not seen her ipoe .
Christine Keeler herself, in her statement to the Press on 26th
adopted this date, evidently following him. I have heard their Q
point. Mr. Profumo is sure that he brought it to an end when Si It
Brook gave him the warning, and he wrote the letter to her the lei! lime
day. The mistake about the date was because he remembered Sir Nbman
Brook saying, I thought I should see you before we go away for the tweet,
and he thought it was the December recess not having the letter or date
before him! but later on, when he got the date. he realised it was in fact
the August recess. Whatever be the truth about this. I am quite satised the
association did not last very long. It certainly ended by December. 1961.
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38. After August. 1961, Stephen Ward saw little orislhiig
Mr. Profumo. But he continued very friendly with Captain lvantand it is
plain that Captain Ivancv was continually asking Stephen" Ward questions
about the general political intentions of the British: and that Stephen Ward
did his best to get all the information he could for Ivanov. He soughtthelp
from his inuential friends in this behalf, particularly Lord Astor and
Sir Godfrey Nicholson, M.P. N C " p _ ' '
'_ i!The'Bel1inc1-1'5".
39. One thing he did was to get Lord Astor to write to the Foreign Qfiice
on 2nd September, 1961. In this letter Lord Astor said he had a friend called
Stephen Ward, who had become a friend of Captain lvanov and suggested
that if the Foreign Oice wished to ensure at any particular moment that
the Russian Embassy was absolutely correctly informed as to Western
intentions, Stephen Ward would be useful. Stephen Ward could pass on the
information himself or could very easily arrange for Captain lvanov to meet
anyone. In consequence of this letter, on 18th-September. I961, the Foreign
Oice interviewed Stephen Ward. He gave a long account of his political views
and said that he was anxious to turn his friendship with Captain lvanov to
useful account. He was told quite plainly that the Foreign Oice would not
wish to avail themselves of his services. ~ - . -
40. The next thing he did was to get Sir Godfrey Nicholson. M.P., to
meet Captain Ivanov. Sir Godfrey knew Stephen Ward well and had been
a patient of his for many yea.rsand had recommended him to many others;
Sir Godfrey is, of course, a most loyal Englishman.! ' ' S
41. Stephen Ward sought to use Sir Godfrey as a means of getting
information for Captain Ivanov from the Foreign Office about British
intentions over disarmament and over Berlin. Sir Godfrey did see the Foreign
Qgeei and indeed the Foreign Secretary; and he wrote three letters to Captain
Ivanov about the Berlin matter and the Oder-Neisse line. But he was careful
to submit the draft of these letters to the Foreign Oice and get them approved
before he sent them. Lord Home went so far as to warn Sir Godfrey not to_
see Captain Ivauov, but Sir Godfrey felt that as a Member of Parliament he
must be free to talk to him.! Stephen Ward did not rest there. He wanted to
meet Sir Harold Caccia. the Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the
Foreign Oice: and on Sth April. 1962. Sir Godfrey arranged a luncheon
where Stephen Ward met Sir Harold. Stephen Ward offered to put Sir Harold
in direct touch with Captain Ivanov but Sir Harold declined the offer. The
Foreign Oice were under no illusions as to Stephen Ward. o
tie- ii! The Cuban Crisis42. In late October, 1962, there was the Cuban crisis
ships were heading towards Cuba with nuclear weapons. Stephen ' played
a very active part at this juncture. He seems to have been acting on the
l6 - .
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G.2"' _|uggestion of Captain Ivanov. Stephen Ward: point92 -
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3?
Government looked to the United Kingdom as the only hope cl
in this crisis: and that the United Kingdom should call a summitto resolve it. Stephen Ward. on 24th October. 1962, telephoned the
Oice and said that Lord Astor had recommended him to contact &'
Caccia: and he put forward the suggestion of a summit conference. On
25th October, 1962, he got Sir Godfrey Nicholson to meet Captain Ivanov
and then, at Captain Ivanov: request. to go to the hoteigTi Oce the
same proposal. Stephen Ward afterwards himself telephoned to the Foreign
Oice about it. On the same day he got Lord Astor to speak to Lord Arran.
Lord Astor told Lord Arran that there was a Russian oicial no doubt it was
Captain Ivanov! who was seeking to pass information of an urgent nature to
the British Government. Two days later, on 21th October, 1962, Stephen Ward
took Captain Ivanov to Lord A1-rans house. Captain Ivanov told Lord Arran
that he wished to convey a message to the British Government by indirect
means asking them to call a summit conference in London forthwith. He
maintained that Mr. Khrushchev would accept the invitation with alacrity,
and thus the United Kingdom would hreak the deadimk. Lord Arron suspecteii
that this was an attempt to drive a wedge between the United Kingdom and
the Americans. He reported it both to the Foreign Oce and to Admiralty
House. . .
43. All these eorts by Stephen Ward failed. It so happened tmt on
Sunday, 28th October, 1962, there was another party at Cliveden. Lord Astors
guests included Lord Arran. Stephen Ward and Captain Ivanov came up to the
house. While they were there news came through over the broadcast that the
Russian ships had turned back from Cuba. Captain Ivanov could not, indeed.
did not, conceal his anger and discomture. All the guests noticed it. _
44. Looking back on the incident. Stephen Ward told me that he felt at
the time that he was doing something momentous, but afterwards he realised
that it was of little real signicance. -I accept that Stephen Wards activities,
although misconceived and misdirected, were not deliberately mischievous,
and I am glad to say that over this critical period the eorts of Stephen Ward
and Captain Ivanov did not have the slightest eect on any of the people whom
they approached--except to make everyone more suspicious of them than ever.
iii! Name Dmavins '
.- .-.- .92 0. .I._ rI__'|___ -_!_:_ __. GI-.1 l'92.~o.92'I....- Il cl-m-_ -.--. ee-43. 51101111] EH61 HIE LJIDQIZI H1818, un Jl§l uutuucr, 1704, were was an
incident which will illustrate the way in which Stephen Ward was apt to drop
names of well-known people which led to unfounded rumours about them. In
the evening pf 31st October, 1962, Mr. William S. Shepherd, M.P., went to
Stephen Ward's house. I-Ie found, as he says. Captain Ivanov there, Christine
Keeler, and also Marilyn Rice-Davies. She was another of the isle whom
Stephen Ward found and she was currently living in his house.! not
know that Mr. Shepherd was a Member of Parliament. The conv gunned
to the Cuban crisis. Mr. Shepherd said it a victory for the _
Captain Ivanov became very angry. When Mr. Shepherd got up to ,_ _
Ward said, referring to Captain Ivhnov and himsen-"-", we n-rest ..
are going to have dinner with Iain Macleod. -which Mr.
was an extraordinary thing. This Eat a typical distortion of the truth by
Stephen Ward. They were not going to have dinner with Mr. Macleod at all.Q-X 17 __
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46. The fact was that on 31st October, 1962, there pvty at
Mr. and Mrs. Macleods at at 36, Sloane Court West. and
Captain Ivanov sirnpiy fgate-crashed "'. There is no othar *wif"ini it. it
wasapartytoryoungpeopleallagedabout I8orl9.0nthetne'?Iingetthe
party one of the young invited guests who evidently knew Stephen Ward!
telephoned and asked if he could bring along Stephen Ward and a lriend of
his. He had evidently been put up to this by Stephen Ward. The Maeleods
did not know anything about Stephen Ward but assumed it was all right and
said Yes . Stephen Ward came rather late to the party and brought with
him Captain Ivanov. They did not stay long. They did not meet Mr. Iain
Macleod at all. He was in the House of Commons and did not attend the
party. Mrs. Macieod came in towards the end of the party and saw these two
men who were much older than anyone else. She spoke a word or two to
Stephen Ward whom she did not know! but did not speak to Captain Ivanov.
The two only stayed a few minutes and then left. None of the Macleod family
have seen or heard of either of them again. Mrs. Macleod told Mr. Macleodnext day about it. ' ' * - l ' '- e .
47. Mr. Shepherd was so suspicious that, a day or two later, he tool:
the opportunity of mentioning the matter to Mr. Macleod. He said that
Stephen Ward had been giving the impression that he had been invited to
Mr. Macleods at and knew him. Mr. Macleod explained to Mr. Shepherd
just what had happened and spoke to the Foreign Secretary Lord Home!
about it and wrote a letter putting it on record. The Foreign Secretary of
course knew a good deal about Stephen Ward by this time.-
48. It is quite obvious now that Stephen Ward was seeking an
opportunity for Captain Ivanov to meet Mr. Macleod and others, to glean,
I suppose, any information he could, for the Russians. It is equally obvious
that he got nothing. 1 ' ' '
iv! A Letter to Mr. Wilson, MI. _
' 49. On the 7th November, 1962, Ward followed up his activities during
the Cuban crisis by reporting them to Mr. Harold Wilson, M.P., the Leader
ot'the Opposition. He wrote saying that on_ Friday, 26th October. an offer
was made by the Russians to the Foreign Oice for a summit conference.
I can vouch for the authenticity of this , he said. since I was the
intermediary . Mr. Wilson did not think this letter at the time to be of any
account and sent a non-committal reply. _
50. On 26th December, 1962, Lord and Lady Ednam held a dinner party
to which a high oicial of the Foreign Oice and his wife were invited.
Stephen Ward and Captain Ivanov were present. too. at the dinner party.
They rought up the Nassau Conference and the possibility of Germany
gequirhg nuclear weapons. But the Foreign Otce oicial gave nothing
away. - - l __ .. ._.-._.
51. Thus ends the known activities of Ward on behalf of _ Russians.
He was without doubt a Communist sympathiser. and so In tinder the
inuence of Ivanov that he was a potential danger. But this %wn to
the SecurityServioeandtheyhadpasseditontothepeople__ mattered,particularly the Foreign Oice, and any Ministers who might come into
contact with him. I see no failure of the Security Service over this period.
I will set out the details of their work later. ' i - .
18 ____
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_ . _ _ . - - . - . - ?- -fcgifs .11. .. N-.92'5,"THE SLASHING AND SHOOTING .1 . rear . .
52. Whilst Stephm Ward was thus engaging himself busily during I962
in aid of Ivanov and the Russians he had continued his vicious sexual
activities. I-le wanted a coloured girl and got Christine Keeier to get him one.
In October, 1961. he took her to the Rio Cafe in the Westbourne Park Road.
There were coloured people there. Some were smokers of reefers . that is.
drugged cigarettes. and were engaged in traicking in Indian hemp. She here
met Lucky Gordon for the rst time. She asked him. Can I have some
weed? " and he let her have .10 shillings worth. e wanted to see her again.
She said, I can only see you if you bring your sister for my brother ".
meaning a coloured girl for Stephen Ward!. She gave him her telephone
number. And thus she started her association with coloured men. Sometime later she left Stephen Ward and went to live with this man Lucky
Gordon. Later she took up a similar association with another one called
John Edgecombe. Each of these seems to have considered her to be his
property. This led to extreme jealousy which resulted in violence.
' ! mi Slashing " '
53. On 27th-28th October, I962, Christine Keeler was with Edgecombe
at an All Nighters Club" in Wardour Street. W.1., in the early hours of
the morning. Lucky Gordon arrived and there was an argurnentbetween
the two men about her. It ared up into an aliray in which Lucky
Gordon's face was slashed, nae.-ssitam 1'? stitches. The pQ1l£ sought to
arrest John Edgecombe and charge him with an assault, but he disappeared.
He went to Brentford. and Christine Keeler went to live with him there.
Meanwhile Stephen Ward had found another girl to live with him in place
of- Christine Keeler. I-Ie got Marilyn Rice-Davies to live with him in
17', Wimpole Mews. .
' ii! The Shooting
54. Early in December,'1962, Christine Keeler left John Edgecombe. He
determined to get her back if he could. On 14th December, 1962, she went to
17, Wirnpole Mews, where she was visiting Marilyn Rice-Davies. At about
1 p.m. John Edgecombe arrived in a mini-cab. He told the driver to wait.
Marilyn Rice-Davies looked out of the window. John Edgecombe asked for
Christine Keeler. Marilyn Rice-Davies said she was not in. He kept on ringing
the bell. After a while Christine Keeler put her head out of the window and
told him to go away. He charged at the door to try and break it open. It
withstood the charge. He then pulled out an automatic pistol and red
shots at the lock on the front door. Three or four shots. Once more 1. i-»
upstairs was opened. He pointed the pistol in that direction andOnly a shot or two this time, for he had come to the end of his = '
He went back to the mini-cab and got the driver of the mini-ii -= was
waiting! to drive him back to Brentford. The police caught up kn
and he was arrested. He was charged, not only with this shooting on
ltlth December, 1962, but also with the slashing of Lucky Gordon on
27th October, I962. . s . . - . . _.
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55. Meanwhile. however. the shooting had attracted the p __ of the
neighbourhood. One of the girls had telephoned Stephen Wad _ __ surgery
innearby I!evomhimSkwtmdpvehimammhgcommednI@ pifhbatwashappening. He heard the shootingtover the telephone. He the
police. Wireless messages were sent out from the police station news-
papermenanivedintheMewsbeforethepolice.MaybetheyIiltenndintothe
messages. The Mews was lled with press and police. The police took the
girls to the police station and took statements from them as to the 5lJ0OlJlI8-
The station was besieged by the press but eventually the girls got away and
went to a at which Christine Keeler had taken at 63. Great Cumberland
Place. . . . -
56. After they got back to the at Christine Keeler telephoned Mr.
Michael Eddowes. He was a retir solicitor who was a friend and patient
of Stephen Ward and had seen a good deal of him at this time. He had
befriended Christine Keeler and had taken her to see her mother once or
twice.! Mr. Eddowes went round to see her. She told him of the shooting.
He already knew from Stephen Ward something of her relations with Captain
Ivanov and Mr. Profumo, and he asked her about them. He was most
interested and subsequently noted it down in writing. and in March he reported
it to the police. He followed it up by employing an ex-member of the
Metropolitan Police to act as detective on his behalt to gather information.
ii! Trill Lrpeqed E!!! Wee! ol Eehrnnry
57. It was quite plain that Christine Keeler would be an important
witness in the case against John Erlgeoombe. both with regard to the slashing
of Lucky Gordon on 27th October, 1962, and also the shooting on
14th December, 1962. John Edgecombe was remanded in custody from time
to time and the evidence was not taken by the magistrate until the 16th and
17th January. 1963. Christine Keeler attended the n1agistrates hearings
quite voluntarily and gave evidence for the prosecution. John Edgecombe was
committed for trial at the Old Bailey. His trial was expected to be early in
February.
'58. On Sunday, the 3rd February, 1963, the News of the World
published a large picture of Christine Keeler, in I. seductive pose, with
nothing on except the slightest of swimming garbs. and the words alongside,
Model in shots case. Attractive Christine Keeler, a 20-year-old London
model, features in a case at the Old Bailey this week in which a man is
accused of shooting at her with intent to murder. He is a 30-year-old West
Indian, John Edgecombe, of Brentford, Middlesex. I mention this
photograph because most people seeing it would readily infer the avocatiolt
of Christine Keeler.
-an --n - 1 II u III! I III . e .. . ._I .1. .1 . 1
J9. tine trial or Jonn rsogeconme om not, nowever. tan _ that weel.The driver of the mini-cab was taken ill. On Friday, 8th 1963,
a medical certicate was received by the police that he aable toattend the Court, and it was decided to apply for an It was
adjourned until March. It came on for trial on 14th Mali-. _p but by
that time Christine Keeler had disappeared. Meanwhe. hmrevi; nntch had
happened. The shooting had been liven much notice in the newspapers.
Many saw that a story might emerge of much interest. It did.
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60. On the very night or the shooting _Christine Keeler told sonnhgof her story to Mr. Michael Eddowes. but It does not seem to have W
publicity through him. She told it later in circles where it was soon takq up.-
' " i!SltetelleittoMr.Iolu|LewIl'; '1
. About nine days after me shooting. on 23rd December. I962. there
was a party in a girl's at in Rossmore Court. Christine Keeler went there
with Paul Mann. John Lewis, formerly a Member of Parliament. went to
the party with a friend. In the course of conversation the shooting was
discussed. Stephen Ward's name was mentioned: and at once old memories
revived. John Lewis and Stephen Ward had been engaged actively in
litigation in 1954 and 1955 and there was no love lost between them.
Christine Keeler said how fearful she was of being called as a witness:
John Lewis said she must be represented in court and recommended her to
a solicitor. He was most interested in her story and over the next two or three
weeks made apoint of seeing her and obtaining more details. She told him
of her aair with Mr. Protumo and of the letters he had written to her. She
also told him that Sephen -Wand asked her to obtain information from
Mr. Profumo as to the date when the Americans would deliver atom bombsto'Germany._ ' i . ' _ _ .
- 62. John Lewis was at once alive to the importance of the matter from
the security point of view. He told Mr. George Wigg, M.P., about it. And
from that time onwards he. kept Mr. Wigg fully informed of every
development. They had conversations almost daily. John Lewis was so
interested that he. in March, 1963, got his own agent to investigate in the
wrson of a jorirt who spent mach of m mic in Stephen Wards that.
M ii! She tells jt to the _Pre|n_ _ '
63. Next on the scene they had been hovering near all the time! came
the press. Christine Keeler told her story to Paul Mann. Now Paul Mann was
a young man aged 26. He had been at the Cliveden week-end.' He was at
this time December, 1962! in a shirt business in Manchester, but often came
down to London at weekends- I-le also seems to have friends in journalism.
He was friendly both with Stephen Ward and Christine Keeler. Another
acquaintance of Christine Keelefs was a woman called Nina Gadd who
was a free-iancc iournaiist. It appears to have oeen indirectly through these
two that her story achieved notice. They advised her that there were
newspapers who would buy it. Only two possible buyers were mentioned to
her. The News of the World and the Sunday Pictorial. She got in touch with
both and tried to see who would pay her most. - - --
64. Christine played oil one against the other. When the Sunday Pictorial
offered her £1,000, she went straight to the News 0} the World
them to increase" it. Their representative said, I will see you to Iwill not join in any Dutch auction". So the Sunday Pictorial
On 22nd January. 1963. she went to the oice of the Sunday Picmrinl and
,92 21
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signed a conditional contract to sell them her story for £1,000. of which
£200wastobcpaiddownandthebalanoeot£800oncosnpletion.S|e
outlined her story and gave it colour by relating her double rich
men in high places and coloured men in low. She told them d K rehtions
with Mr. Protamo and with Captain Ivanov. She produced II};-I;lotumos
letter or 9:11 August. I961 the Darling letter!; in prod she was
telling the truth. The newspaper had it photographed and put I-ii to sate.
65. Over the next few days the newspaper men took story
in detail and she then told the reporters what she had not told them at rst!
that Stephen Ward had asked her to obtain from Mr. Profumo information
as to when the Americans were going to give nuclear weapons to Germany.
The newspaper reporters saw how greatly the spy " interest heightened the
story.
iii!Itlsletdowninsn-iting
66. The reporters of the Sunday Pictorial prepared a proof of her story.
She signed every page as correct on 8th February. 1963. It is the rst signed
statement she gave to anyone. The police did not get a signed statement
until 4th April. 1963.! It is on that account instructive to see how she put it.
It was in fact never published. but this is how it ran:
_ Men are such fools. But I like them. I have always liked them.
Unfortunately, the combination of these things has led me into a lot
of trouble and may even have risked the security of this country. It
certainly could have been harmful to the cotmtry.
You see, one man who was foolish enough and irresponsible enough
to have an allair with me was a Cabinet Minister. a member of Her
Majesty's Government. _
And at the same time I was having an aair with another mana
Russian diplomat.
If that Russian or anyone else had placed a tape recorder or cine
camera or both in some hidden place in my bedroom it would have been
very embarrassing for the Minister, to say the least. .
In fact, it would have ten him open to the worst possible kind ot
blackmailthe blackmail of a spy.
I am not suggesting that he really would have given up State secrets
'to avoid a scandal. He might have been tough and refused. ~
But I do believe that any man in his position-particularly a married
manis both unwise and irresponsible to have an affair with some
unknown girl like me.
More especially so in this case because this Minister has such
7 knowledge of the military allairs of the Western world that he wouhi
be one of the most valuable men in the world for the Russians to have
hadiin their power.
He is. in fact, the Secretary of State for War. Mr. John Profumo.
I believe now that a man in his position should not V in pastimes
like me. I suppose even Cabinet Ministers are only ~=-» _ but I think
they should curb their feelings when they take on the
One might think that as a politician be would have
discreet in the all/air. John Protumo was not. It is true " not take
22
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I0-
10Uas meoutmuch. but hedidtake-metohisownhomewhitehiswifewls
away. And he did write letters tome.- = - 4." - -- 11 is
One might also think that those responsible for Statekeep some sort of watch on men who hold as many secrets as
" Yet if that happened he would never have been ahle to and
see me at the at where I wasbeing visited by the if
" And. believe me. the Russian was a manwho would he
aware of the value of the secrets which Profumo knew. He was not I
- He was, in fact, a naval captain. Captain Eugene Ivanov. ' '
Of course. at the time I did not realise the sinister implications behind
my two I was only I8 and knew nothing of politics or internaonal
matters. I was not interested. y ' I
I did not realise tlienthat hlackmail is one of the Russians favourite
weapons when they are to recruit traitors or discover secretintormationw - " " I "W
I am sure that Jack Profumo'would not haveailowed his harmless
affair with_me to be used as a leverito prise secrets from him. But a
weaken man in his position might have allowed it to" happen. '
At the time, however, I saw no danger in the situation. It just seemed
funny to me that I should "be seeing the two men, sometimes on the same
day. One might leave my at only a few minutes before theother arrived.
I did nd it worrying when someone asked me to try to get fromi Profumo the answer to a certain question. " r I '
' That question was. ' When, if ever, are the Americans going to give
nuclear weapons to Germany?
I am not prepared to say in public who asked me to nd out the
answer to that question. I am prepared to give it to the security oiciall.
In fact, I believe now that I have a duty to do so.
u .
A iv! She tells the Police I _
67. On 26th January, I963, Detective-Sergeant Burrows of the
Maryleb'one Police Station called on Christine Keeler to serve her with
notice to attend the trial of John Edgecombe. It was only four days after
she had signed her conditional contract with the Sunday Pictorial. She then
told the Detective-Sergeant in brief outline the self-same story as she toirl
the newspaper. This needs separate treatment and I will deal with it in
the next Chapter. 1 4 _ N y_ ..
- - ._ .~ - v!ThoseIrholtnew --~ -. .-
68. By the end of January. 1963. therefore. Christine Keeler had told
her story to these peoplezf _ _ p _ _ _ _ p ' _ w__"
__ ! Mr. John_ Lewis and through Mr, George Wigg,
! The newspapers. particularly the News of ma World and
" -,. _ I -_ - ' .1 I -'- '_ - -' l 1;: =. -_~'
! The police through Detective-Sergeant Burrows: A: "_i"¥i: "'
' ! The Security Service got to know of her story about this time too.
23 " p
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69. Very shortly afterwards it also came to the knowledge of those at
HD1153. Tilil I Wm Hill: 1lll¢I-t~;::- ,. . gr, _¢~;-rt;
on c-ma rm-v Isms. " . - »
70. Stephen Ward did not know at rst of all this activity Q Qristine
Keeler. I-Ie had quarrelled with her for the time being and did not know
that she had gone to the newspapers. He had been turned out of his home
at 17, Wimpole Mews, because he could not pay the rent and had gone to
a at in Bryanston Mews formerly belonging to Peter Rachtnan. On
_l6th January, 1963. he told a journalist all he knew about the shooting and
said he had succeeded in keeping out of it and hoped the whole thing would
blow over. But it did not. On 18th January, 1963, he saw Captain Ivanov,
and it may be presumed that Captain Ivanov took alarm. It seems as it it
was what is called a tip-off ". Captain Ivanov left England on 29th January.
1963, much earlier than expected. . - - .
vii! Stephen Ward's alarm S
71. The crisis broke upon Stephen Ward on 26th January, l963, when a
journalist went to see him and told him that he had been in contact with the
girls -and they are n_ow with the Sunday Pictorial ". This was the signal for
intensive activity by Stephen Ward. He did all he could to stop the publication.
On Sunday, 27th January. he went to the private house of his Counsel ! and
had some discussion with him.
1'2. On Monday, 28th January, he telephoned to Lord Astor and asked
him to meet him on a very, very urgent matter at the chambers of his Counsel:
and both he and Lord Astor went to Counsel's chambers. Lord Astor did
not stay long but arranged to instruct his own solicitor that afternoon which
he did!. Stephen Ward stayed and told the problem to his Counsel: namely,
that the trial of John Edgecombe was expected the next week, that Christine
Keeler was to be called as a witness and might bring into her evidence the
names of Stephen Ward and Mr. Protumo; and that she had sold her story to
the Sunday Pictorial and it might appear as soon as the trial was concluded.
Stephen Ward's Counsel went to see the Solicitor-General and told him. The
%licitor-Genera! passed it on to me Attorney-General. The Attorney-General
wrote a note to Mr. Profumo and asked him to come and see him.
73. Meanwhile. in the afternoon of the same day, Lord Astor saw his
solicitor: and at 5.30 p.m. Lord Astor went to see Mr. Protumo and told
him of the danger. Mr. Profumo at once got into touch with the Head of the
Security Service and asked him to come and see him. The Head ot the
Security Service got the impression that Mr. Profumo hoped he would get a
D notice issued or something to stop publicationbut his hopes were in vain.
74. ; Over the next few days there was much going onso much so that
I must divide it into sections so as to show what was done by the police, the
lawyers. the ivliniste of the Crown. But there were also two
ot the principals. Mr. Protumo wanted to know more about it ell. He andStephen Ward had lunch together with Lord Astor in Lord mmhouse. Then Mr. Protumo wanted to get a bit more out ol " and he
met him at the Dorcbester Hotel. Stephen Ward told him the _ had
a letter which started Darling " and ended f Love J.". y - .
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'- t -- i! The Ordinary Police Force i- - - -:
75. No one can understand the actions or the policein the. Protumo
afair unless it is realised that their primary task is to maintain law and
order :_ in particular it is their duty to enforce the criminal law, and in this
respect they are completely independent of the Home Otiice. It is no part of
their duty to pry into the private lives of anyone. be it a Minister of the
Orown or the humblest citizen. And if, in the course of their inquiries. they
come across discreditable incidents in private lives not amounting to a
criminal oence! it is no part of their duty to report it to anyone. We are not
yet a police state . Even if they come acrossdiscreditable incidents in the
life ct a Minister. they are not to report iii-save only it it appears that the
security of the country may be endangered, when they should report it to the
ii!SpedalBratld|"' "¬ -
76. So much for what I may call the ordinary police force. There is
also the ' Special Branch ' of the Metropolitan Police. This was formed in
1886 to deal with Irish Republican activity. From that time it has developed
so that its main activities areastollowszy p ' V " _ ' _ A _
I! It is concerned with subversive or terrorist organisations. So one oi
- its duties is to ehtam information t'eg=n'ding men and pass it to me
- SecurityoService. .. - . _ . . - -..
! It is also concerned with offences against the security of the State,
' such as treason. espionage, oences against the Oicial Secrets Act
and the Public Order Act. If the Security Service, for instance. detect
a spy, they collect the information and material about the case and
" then pass it to Special Branch. The Special Branch make any
necessary searches or arrests, and prepare the case for trial. Conversely,
if Special Branch comes across material which points to a risk to
national security, they pass it to the Security Service for their
infortnation. e .
! It keeps watch on seaports and airports for criminals and other
dangerous persons: makes inquiries into aliens: and so forth. --
77. There is very close co-operation between the Special Branch and
the Security Service. They work together in harmony and each has the fullest
condence in the other. _ _ J p_ _ _F
- iii! The Worklngolthe Ornary Police -__78. 'The' various cases that gure in the Profurno K IE1
clearly the working of the ordinary police. In the
ordinary police force handled it in the accustomed manner. Qn heir
informed the shooting. they went at once to the scene, made
then an est. afterwards took statements. and conducted the use right
25 __ .
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mseThismmemtheirmcethroughmonymouscomam§@a.'Thq
lookedintoittoseeiltherewasanythingtoioveetigatez
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aresultofwhichtheyarrestedhimandoonductedthecaaetotrial.
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coursc of the conduct of the Edgecombe case. the ordinary police ocers
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or, later on. by the Securityservice. g p_ _,_;i- R, .,
mmugnwemmmecwmme,aw,umaume.m=|:§'E.hrmge
iv! Christine Keeler tells the Police A Tf
80. On Saturday, 26th January, 1963. Detective-Sergeant Burrows of
the Maryiebone Police Station went to warn Christine Keeler and Marilyn
Rice=Da-.-ies that they were rq"-ired to attend at the Contra Court
at the trial of John Bdgecomhe. He served recognisance notices on them
and then Christine Keeler voluntarily made a statement to him I give it
from the note he made and in the very form he reported it to his superiors!:
- She said that Doctor Ward was a procurer of women for gentlemen
in high places and was sexually perverted: that he had a country
cottage at Cliveden to which some of these women were taken to meet
important men-the cottage was on the estate of Lord Astor; that he
had introduced her to Mr. John Profumo and that she had had an
association with him; that Mr. Prolmo had written a number of-letters
to her on War Gce notepaper and that she still in possession of
one of these letters which was being considered for publication in the
Sunday Pictorial to whom she had sold her life story for £1,000. She also
said that on one occasion when she was going to meet Mr. Profumo,
Ward had asked her to discover from him the date on which certain
atomic secrets were to be handed to West Germany by the Americans,
- and that this was at the time of the Cuban crisis. She also said that she
had been introduced by Ward to the Naval Attache of the Soviet Embassy
and had met him on a number of occasions. 7
Bl. It is to be noticed that that statement of Christine Keeler contains
in concise form the very gist of all the important matters-the procurement
of women by Stephen Wa1dthe association of Mr. Profumo with Christine
Keeler-the request tor information about atomic secrete-and the Ivanov
relationship. -
v! A Meeting la Arranged
82. Detective-Sergeant Burrows reported it to his Detective-
Inspector Anning. who thought it was outside the eld of - -- __ a matter
for the Special Branch. So he telephoned to Detective -» Hagan or
Special Branch. He thought it of considerable security =e ~ and
thought that C.hristi.ne Keeler should be seen by §p0¢ill arrangeda meeting for Detective~Sergeant Burrows and himself to see . Whilst he
was making inquiries Christine Keeler told the police at Marylebone that
she believed that Ward. in an endeavour to have her pvt away ". was
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have the assistance of an oicer conversant with drugs.made for her to be seen at 3.30 p.m. on Friday, lst February, 1&7at, No. 63, Great Cumberland Place. The otiicers who were toDetective-Sergeant Burrows from Marylebone. who had seen her Int!.Detective-Inspector Morgan ot Special Branch because of the securityinterest! and. Sergeant Howard of the Drug Squad because _of the drugsslsswtiqnlt. .. . .. . - . y .. . -
. - vi! De Meeting is Cancelled " ~ -~ .1 -
'83. It was most unfortunate thatthis meeting was never held. ChristineKeeler was not seen at all by the police, or at any rate no statement was takenfrom her, from the day when she was seen by Detective-Sergeant Burrows on26th January, 1963 which Iihave set out!, until 4th April, 1963, when inquirieswere being made into the case against Stephen Ward . . .
. 84. The rst question arises, therefore, why was the meeting not held onlst February, 1963? It was cancelled by order of the Commander of SpecialBranch. When the proposal was put before him on the morning of lst Februaryhe decided that Special Branch should riht take partin questioning ChristineKeeler. He did this, hetold me, because of the Press. He thought it inevitablethat the Press would get to know that Christine Keeler had been seen by SpecialBranch and that would cause a lot of speculation. He expected that ChristineKeeler might well tell the Press herself that she had been seen by a SpecialBranch otcer.! After discussion with his Deputy Commander, it was decidedto be better that Christine Keeler and Stephen Ward should be seen by ofeersof the Criminal Investigation Department: and that anything coming to light,which was of interest to Special Branch, should be brought to their notice.In consequence of this decision the Deputy Commander sent out a messagecancelling the meeting arranged for the afternoon-of Friday. 1st February,1963.'No reason was given to the Marylebone othcers. It was just cancelled.Detective-Sergeant Burrows accordingly telephoned Christine Keeler and saidhe could not keep the appointment that afternoon. but would contact her againatsomeiuturedate. _ .. 1. - . ' -
. - _85. The second question arises, why was Christine Keeler not seen at allat this time. not even by oiiicers of the Criminal Investigation Department?This was the decision of a Chief Superintendent of the Department. TheDeputy Commander of Special Branch told me that he made it clear that heyvished Christine Keeler to be seen, but the Chief Superintendent of theCriminal Investigation Department told me that the message, as it reached-him,was that Stephen Ward was to be seen, but nothing was said, he told me, aboutseeing Christine Keeler. There must have been some failure in co-ordimtionon this point. Arrangements were in fact only made for Stephen Wall to beseen. An appointment was made for Stephen Ward to be seen at"S-oodn Yardon Saturday, 2nd February, 1963, by a Drug Squad oicial but were-' jotkeep the appointment. In consequence on Monday, 4th February, theChief Superintendent decided not to make another appointment [or X. In
addition, on the same day he was asked by Special Branch whether he intendedto have Christine Keeler seen, and he said he did not. This was, I think, anunfortunate decision: for it meant that she was not seen by anypoliee ocerat all at that time. There must have been another failure in co-ordination at
2': ~
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i'. L-,4, .~ _,,,.- ._..s_-.. ,_.._, .92., .
this point. The decision was recorded in this minute by _a
SW31 mint: Y .' - .'; " .1» . ; _. .;i:.'l.'*ti'§>'i=.'i. 1." '1'
The Chief Superintendent of Criminal Investigation propose
making another appointment for Ward!. nor does. he It have
Miss Keeler seen. I told the Chief Superintendent that t agreeable
to Special Branch and we are not asking him to take any or action."
86. It is quite plain from this last sentence that the Superintendent of
Special Branch did not regard it as important to see Christine Keeler. He
told me that he thought the crime interest was greater than any secarity
risk. Accepting this view, neverthelessin view of Christine Keelers statement
to Detective-Sergeant Burrows it does appear that there was a security
interest which should have been watched: and the Deputy Commander ot
Special Branch certainly intended her to be seen. _ ' ' V
, vii! Stephen Ward nu. the Police '
87. So much for Christine Keelers statement. There was a statement
by Stephen Ward at this time which was also of importance. On 4th February.
1963, at 6.20 p.m.. Stephen Ward himself telephoned to the Marylebone Lane
Station and said that two photographs had been stolen from him. They were
photographs taken at the swimming pool at Cliveden. One was taken by
Mr. Profumo and showed Stephen Ward with three girls, one of whom was
Christine Keeler. Mr. Profumo had written on it The new Cliveden Set, J.."
The other was taken by someone else showing Mr. Profnmo with two
girls. one of whom was Christine Keeler. The Marylebone oicers asked him
to come to the station and he did so on 5th February, 1963. Stephen Ward
said he thought Paul Mann had stolen the photographs to sell. He also made
this statement I give it from the note made by the oicer as it was
reported to his superior!: .
Dr. Ward said that. if this matter, including the association between
Mr. Profumo and Miss Keeler, became public, it might very well bring
. down the Government. He also added that he had no personal liking for
this Government but would not like to see it go out of olce in this
way. He also said that he was aware that Miss Keeler had sold her
'life story to the Sunday Pictorial newspaper and that a number of names
would be mentioned. Ward also said that he was a close friend of the
Naval Attache of the Soviet Embassy. who frequently visited him and
who was known in diplomatic circles as Foxfaee'. He produced a
photograph which he said had been taken at an oicial Iron Curtain
party and in it he appeared standing alongside Foxface . He also said
he had mentioned the matter to a member of M1. 5.
88. It is to be noticed. too, that this statement of Stephen Wards
contained direct reference to two important matters--the association of
Mr. Profumo and Christine Keeler. and Stephen Ward's p for
Ivanov. u * .
viii! The Police tell the Security Service _ ;_ ' ' A-. .2. ='--
89. We have at this point, therefore, two important to the
police--one by Christine Keeler on 26th January, 1963, ad Q atlas by
Stephen Ward on 5th February, 1963. The Msrylebone officers embodied
28 .
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J_thes'e"in a written report men so February. lass. rney w
terms I have quoted.! It was a pity that Christine Keeler had
as intended: for I she had been seen. the might well have
important detail such as the-description oi Mr. Protumo
mascot on the car! which would have corroborated her story.
have thrown light on Stephen Ward; activities. It is a
Stephen Ward_was_not seen byoicen of Scotland Yard as
a detailed statement trorn him at that time might have
COBSOGIICIICCI. . _ _ , '_ '. - '- " '_. "' 92' . ' ' .- '-. _§§4_" __
' 90. But nevertheless the report itself of the Marylebone oicet BB
gist of all the important matters. It may be asked, what did Special
do about this irnportantreport? They did the correct thing. They took it
along to the Security Service. The report reached Special Branch on Thursday.
7th February, 1963, and was considered by the Commander himself. He at
once went and saw a senior oicer of the Security Service. He took a copy
of the report and left it with him. I-Ie asked two pertinent questions:
G! Was there any security intelligence aspect which should inuence
Criminal Investigation Depar-troent action? The Gicer
e said,No. _ k. * ~ _ A
b! Did'any'duty,_1ie on Scotland Yard to ensure that Mr. Profumo was
aware of the. likelihood of publicity? The Security Officer said that
Mr. Proiumo was aware of it.-_ _. . - _ . .
91._ Commander went back and drew up this minute: y
" " The facts given in the report! were already known to the Security
Service! in broad outline. Their principal interest is, of course, the
Russian diplomat, whose identity is known to them and in whose
activities they are taking an interest. Oicially they are not concerned
with the Profumo aspect, but they do know that Profumo is aware of
the position and that such action as is possible is being taken by his
solicitors with the newspaper. They believe it to be true that Profumo
has told the I-rinse Minister of we matter but they do not knew that for
certain. ' ' "
_ I think it wise for us to stay'out of this business and the Security
Service! agree." .
92. "The upshot of it all is that the Marylebone oicers were aware of
the security and political importance of Christine Kee1ers and Stephen
Wards statements, and reported them to Special Branch. No possible
criticism can be made of the Marylebone oicers. But the Criminal
Investigation Department and Special Branch did, I think, make an error
in not following up these reports by seeing Christine Keeler. or making sure
she was seen. or by seeing Stephen Ward. This error was due to an error
in co-ordination, for which no one individual can be blamed. But allowing
for this errdr, the gist of the information was passed on by Special Branch
to the Security Service. And thenceforward the responsibility for further
action rested with the Security Service. I will deal with this when I elidthe operation of the Security Service. ' ' e 'i ,i
29
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93. It may be asked why did not the police themselves rqoet these
matters to the Home Secretary. The answer is, I think, thin: In it hr as if
involved a security matter the_y fulftiled their duty by repot1§,Ait to theSpecial Branch. In so far as it involved private morals it would "lot be for
them to report it to anyone. It would be contrary to our way of thinking that
police should be expected to report to the Home Secretary, or indeed to the
Prime Minister, anything they happen incidentally to discover affecting the
moral character or behaviour of any individual, including even a Minister
of the Crown.
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-- . .- i!Di:t1|lbingFactI -- "
in bio one can understand what ham-*enet't at this tins: unless he realise-
the extreme anxiety felt by Stephen Ward. Mr. Profumo and. I may add. Lord
Astor, over the critical 10 days, Monday. 28th January, 1963-Wednesday.
6th February, 1963. They were very anxious that nothing should be disclosed
prejudicial to their good names. Each instructed lawyers to protect his interests.
And, as it happened, the main burden was borne by Stephen Ward:
Counsel '! and by Mr. Pro!umos solicitors. ! By Friday, lst February, 1963,
they had discovered these disturbing facts: 1 ' p _
! They got to know Christine Keeler had signed a conditional contract
to sell her story to the Sunday Pictorial for £1,000, of which £200 WI-8
paid down: but they did not know what her story contained. in
particular they did not know what she had told the newspaperabout
Stephen Ward, Mr. Profumo or Lord Astor. They got to know that
arrangements had been made for her to sign the proofs of her story
early in the week beginning Monday, 4th February. and also for her
to be accommodated, at the expense of the newspaper, in a at at The
White House, Albany Street. Once the proofs were signed by her as
correct, the newspaper would be free to publish the article without
fear of any libel action by her, though they would, of course, be liable
to libel actions if they made defamatory statements which were untrue
about anyone eise. .
! They got to know that the case of John Edgecombe was in the list
for trial at the Session at the Central Criminal Court starting on
Tuesday. Sth February, and Christine Keeler might have to attend any
day. The case was expected to be tried that week, and should be
nished by the Friday. Christine Keeler was to be an important witness
and might be subjected to cross-examination as to her credit and as
to her character, and she might bring out their names. Until the trial
was over the newspaper might not feel able to print her story. because
the matter might be prejudicial to the trial and a contempt of court.
Once the case was over the newspaper would be able to publish the
articles without fear of being in contempt of court.
; ii! Plant to Stop Publication
95. It was important therefore to do everything possible in law to stop
the newspaper publishing the story of Christine Keeler. Here &.LIJl:rl
were in a diiculty. In the ordinary way it is very difficult to get an _ ~- It
to stop the publication of defamatory matter: for if the de -it -
that the words are true and that they intend to justify them, i -will
rarely intervene to stop them: for the eonrt w not "
whether the words are true or not. But in this case there .3pmai"~T~m
<=j:siI§t§.-it wires Counsel in re. Recs-Davies, Vhl.P._l.l! all h um
Cha er.pl
! Theodore Goddard & C0.
.
/~~r-SI _3% .
_ ____,, __ .
' --- -'i"""9 13,--1 . . _
:92l'ii '.
. -...
to overcome that rule of law. Christine Keeler had told her --t l aeveral
people, including newspaper reporters. and it had been »=- -- - '-
It was suggested an aiwrit tor man beissued against air; amen.
in respect of those statements. It such a writ were issued and __j _ -J
were notied of it. the matter would become sub indies. ' 'T --+
would not, it was thought, publish her story because they worth! lii-danger
of being in contempt of courtin respect of the slander action. Thisiplan
required at good deal of work, such as taking statements from witnesses.preparing draft writs and so forth. ' ' - ' '-
' _ iii!__Negotiations to that earl _ ' g
- 96. While preparing that plan, however, for legal proceedings, an
alternative proposal was made, namely, to see Christine Keeler. to see how
far she had gone with the newspaper and see it she could be persuaded
not to publish her story. There were long conferences between Stephen Ward's
counsel and Mr. Prolumo's solicitor on Saturday and Sunday, 2nd and
3rd February. I963. Both felt that, if negotiations of this kind were to be
pursued. it was very desirable that Christine Keeler, for her own protection,
should be" advised by a solicitor. It was essential that she should not be
advised by the solicitor to the newspaper, but be separately advised by her
own solicitor. In a day or two, Christine Keeler did go to a solicitor. It
appears that on Saturday afternoon, 2nd February, 1963, Mr. Profumos
solicitors went to see her, and, after some discussion about the contract, gave
her the name of a solicitor and also their own telephone number. The
impression they got was that she wanted money. But she did not go to the
solicitor that they suggested. Then Stephen Ward's counsel sugested the name
of another solicitor. He was a young man who was a former pupil of his
at the bar and had since become a solicit0r. ! On Sunday, 3rd February. 1963,
Stephen Wards counsel asked this young solicitor to come and see him and
told him the outline of the story. There was an intervening approach through
a friend and on the 4th February, 1963, at 4.30 p.rn., Christine Keeler went
to see this solicitor. She was accompanied. not by this friend. but by
Paul Mann. ' '
9,7. It is quite clear that the negotiations had these objectives: on the
one hand Christine Keeler was to withdraw from her contract with the
newspaper, so that her story would not be published, and she was to go
away for a while immediately after the Edgecombe trial: on the other hand
she was in return to be paid compensation in money for the loss of her contract
and for the expenses to which she would be put. g
98. The negotiations are of importance: because in the debate on
17th June, 1963, it was suggested by Sir Lionel Heald, Q.C., M.P.. in the
House of"C0tnmons that on 4th February, 1963, there was an approach which
appeared to indicate a demand for money.
wag,
, iv! 'I1se Law on the Matte! '
99. Now I desire to say, in fairness to all concerned, was
nothing unlawful in these negotiations, provided always that __ leeler
had not the intention to extort money, but only to receive a lair
J Mr. Gerald Black of Gerald Black & C0.
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_The law on the nlaid down in Section'§l Z!of
l9l'6, which |ays'that' every person who, with intent io e
thing from any person directly or indirectly proposes to
otiers to prevent, the publishing of any matter or thing
person. shall be guilty of a misdemeanour . I have italicised
words for presentpurpoees. The words ' any matter or thing
whatever the matter about tobe published. that is to say, whether it be
or no libel see Regina v. Coghlan 865! :4 Foster and Finlayson 3_l
page 321 by Bramwell B!: true or untrue see Rex v. Wyatt 921! l6Criminal
Appeal Reports 57!, nevertheless it is a.n__o£fence to propose to abstain from
the publishing of it. if it is done with intent to extort money. There need not
be an express request for money. It can be implied. Evento say If you make
it worth my whilqnothing will appear in the Press will suiee, provided
always there is an intention to extort money. See Regina v. Menage 3 Foster
and Finlayson 310.! Truth is no answer to the charge. The greater the truth
the greater the weapon in thehand of the blackmailer. The gist of the offence
is the intention to extort. Such is the law it done by one alone. If the attempt
to extort is done by two or more in combination-by threatening exposure
even of the truth-it is indictable as a conspiracy at common law seeRex v. Hpllingberry 825! 4 Baruewell and Cresswell 329!. -' t MVI
v! Critical Conversation " - 1' '
. _. _ - ,_. ,, . .- ., _ I . . - i - '
I00. Now for the negotiations themselves. There is some controversy
as to what took place which I, feel I cannot resolve. So I set down the
versions on either side of the critical conversations. The name of Paul Mann
comes again into the story at this point. During these critical days of early
February. 1963, Stephl Ward and Christine_Keeler had quarrelled. but
Paul Mann still remained friendly with both and acted as intermediary
between them. On Saturday evening, 2nd February, 1963, Stephen Ward
took Paul Mann to see Stephen Wards counsel in his private house and
counsel saw him alone. According to counsel's note made shortly afterwards
Paul Mann said: I think that Christine should be made to deny everything
and talk, propositionwise as to what it is worth for her to be quiet. I think
she is open to ta higher bid.'_ She is not satised with £1,000. I told hcrshe
ought to have obtained a good deal more. According to Paul Mann himself.
he said. I was myself quite concerned with peoples reputations and one
thing and another and the possible scandal that the papers could make '0!
the whole thing. I said I did not know what she was going to do. but I said
I would be only too willing to take her away after the trial and to keep the
Press away from her. I remember saying too, that I certainly could not do it
all on my own funds, but I was quite prepared to make it a holiday for
myself. 'Ihcre were no sums mentioned." Both agreed that counsel broke of
the conversation and said he could not discuss the proposition. and told
Paul Mann that he should get Christine Keeler to go and see a -101. On Monday afternoon. em February, 1963. at aboutPaul Mann accompanied Keeler to the solicitor whose ' "1
been mentioned by Stephen Ward's counsel paragraph 96!. t-to
see the solicitor whilst Paul Mann sat outside next to the switchbollr le
brought with her the telephone number of Mr. Profumds solicitor: and
after taking her instructions, the solicitor telephoned Mr. Pl'0fu1n0s solicitor.,4 S3 __
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There is a controversy as to the opening words: Christine _
says that he said to Mr. Profumds solicitor, I understand yr ' _
oiiered to help her nancially . and he said Yes ?_: whereas
solicitor denies that any such opening took place. Save for ersy
it seems clear that the substance of the conversation was as J :- . --
' - - ; . - r. '- K -. -_ , '-=1-:.i'i "'1'¤ -'=.=" -
. vi!Cl|ristinen|ltsior£5,00l ---
i02. Christine Keelers solicitor told Pro!un.>os sohcitor that he was
acting for Christine, that she did not wish to harm Mr. Profumo in any way,
but she had no one to turn to for nancial assistance except the newspaper.
She was due to see the newspaper later that afternoon and the newspaper
had arranged for her to stay at the White House. If she did not continue to
help the newspaper with the publication she would be without money.
Christine KeeIer's solicitor said he thought that the criminal proceedings
against John Edgecombe would probably be on that week and that she
intended to go away after the trial. She proposed to go abroad. to America.
She was to receive from the newspaper £1,500 for six articles or £1,000 for
four. Christine Keele-rs solicitor mid they rhd not want to publish and that
the matter was a delicate one. One of them asked the other what he had in
mind there is some controversy on this! and after a little to and fro
Christine Keelers solicitor said £3,000. Mr. Profu1no's solicitor said he would
take instructions. A very short time later, however, Christine Keelers
solicitor who had Christine present with him! telephoned to Mr. Profumo's
solicitor and said that she would need £5,000 as she wanted to get a house
for her parents. Mr. P1-ofumos solicitor said he would have to put the matter
to his client. Christines solicitor said he would await an answer. None came;
so he himself telephoned, but was told Mr. Profumos solicitor had gone out.
vii! Wu it an Ollenee? _
I03. Meanwhile what had happened was this: Mr. Profumos solicitors
regarded the request for £5,000 as so serious that they went round that
evening to seek the advice of Queen's Oounsel. °! and then. with him and
Mr. Profumo, they went to see the Attorney-General, Sir John I-Iobson,
and told him of it. The Attorney-General thought it should be referred to
the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr. Profumo said that he was prepared
to prosecute, it the Director thought it desirable. The next morning
Mr. Profumos legal advisers explained the matter to the Director of Public
Prosecutions who advised against a prosecution.
104. In view of what I have said earlier on the law, the question
whether there was an olfence or no in asking for money depended on
whether there was an intent to extort or not. ll it was a fair recompense,
there would be nothing unlawful. Upon this point Christine K _ - I solicitor
explained to me that, in mentioning £3,000 he was thinking Q; g it would
cost to have her represented by counsel, what it would -~ her
protected at the trial by an ex-C.I.D. officer or something - What it
would cost to put her parents in a house somewhere. and to
go ct! to Aractiw after me tr-1.-it of John Hgece.-aw for e ',. Aitee
~ '!Mr.MarkLittman.Q.C. c e
34
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h put.thetelephoned0wnChristineK1:elcrsaid, 1thittky0I "_.1shave asked for £5,000. How much is the house going to cost? " The _ y
sai<L"£2.000upto£3,000".She=ailLE'1twillcostme£$00 S.away in America-. I would like to have something to come back to. I] t'_like you to phone and say £5,000! So he did |o.- =.;; .. ..~..-,-i-_=!§
105. I would like to say. in fairness to Christine Keelefs solicitor. that
he had only been brought into the case at very short notice and had no
time to reect. It was a situation entirely out of the ordinary. I-lye told me
he thought the £5,000 wasfnothing to the persons concerned and it did seem
a pretty fair estimate of _ what Christine Keeler would be involved in.Having seen him, I am sure he had no intention to extort and ought fairly
to be excused for what does look, I confess. at rst sight a most uniusti-
ablesuggestion. " fl __ a_ p _g H
- I06. As for Christine KOClt5l'.pll is only fair to say that. if she had been
minded to blackmail Mr. Profurno, she would probably have kept the
Darling letter herself and not handed it over to the Sunday Pictorial.
Further, I would record her statement to me: When £3,000 was mentioned.
she says. I said No. and I know this sounds wicked, I said £5,000 -because
I wanted to move my parents, you see, so I do admit that I did say to_ raise
it. . . . It was not a matter of blackmail. Iwould have asked for £50,000 if
it was.'_ Let no one judge her too harshly. She was not yet 21. And since the
age of 16 she had become enmeshed in a net of wickedness. I would credit
her, too, with a desire only for a fair recompense and not an intention to extort.
107. lt is quite clear that after the telephone conversation on 4th February,
1963, Mr. Profumos'solicitors had no negotiations with Christine Keeler or
anyone on her behalf to pay her any money. But Stephen Wards counsel had
negotiations with Christines solicitors to which I must now turn. '
viii! Negotiations with Stephen Ward
108. On the next day, 5th February, I963, Christine K'eelers solicitor
was speaking, he told me, to Wards counsel on another matter. and afterwards
they got on to the subject of Christine. Christines solicitor said he was acting
for her and said. She says she would like to have live" meaning £5,000!.
Stephen Wards counsel presumably acting on behalf of Stephen Ward! said,
Oh, -I am sure that will be all right, I will let you know ". Christine's solicitor
said it was most urgent. That afternoon Christine's solicitor went and collected
£50 in cash from Stephen Wards counsel. Christine's solicitor gave her £20 of
the £50 and she agreed not to go to the White House the at provided by the
newspaper! and did not go. Next day Christine's solicitor went to collect the
balance of the3£5,000, as he thought. Stephen Wards counsel gave him a packet
which he opened. Inside was £450. It then became clear, he told me, that when
he had said ve on the telephone, Stephen Wards counsel had ght
he meant £500, not £5,000. Christines solicitor said he could not likeHe went back and told her st-at had happened. She thought nit ~
tricked. She wouldnotdrearn of accepting the money. She would. ' M '_ . _
isthe last the solicitor Saw of her. ' ', I I '. ' '_ _, '.,_f;f;_'___.._.f?. .. ..._ . .._i. ._ 92..,_,___._ ,
l09. Stephen Wards counsel gave me an account which correspod in
most of the essentials. He told me that when Cl1ristines solicitor said she
wanted ve in expenses ", he took it to mean £500. not £5,000. This moor-dad
as '
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exactlywithwhattheexpemesweretohismind.Heworkedtl|eq¢f'@h|thigsway: As she had already received £200 from the__newspaper,Q ought to
repayitl.0tnem." T'natmade£2t'i92 1.Theneite0u3m"ioi5elcctjoted""f_' 'ina hotel over the trial which would cost £100. And she mat mve mo to
be away after the trial for the next fortnight. Stephen Ward: couel told me
that Christine's solicitor said it was most urgent and, on that account. he did
let him have £50 in cash out of his own pocket that afternoon. On the next
dayhereported it tohissolicitor whoalsothought £500 yvasa proper sum. So
he made arrangements with Stephen Ward and got the money from him. He
oliered the £450 to Christine's solicitor: but he did not accept it.
110. Stephen Ward got the £500 in this way. He asked Lord Astor to
lend it to him: and Lord Astor after consulting hissolicitor! did lend it to
him. But Stephen Ward did not disclose to Lord Astor the precise purpose of
the £500. The knowledge which Lord Actor had is shown by two letters of
6th February which record the transaction. Stephen Ward wrote on
6th February: _ ' ' '
Dear Bill,
As I told you I have become involved in legal proceedings which are
should be very grateful indeed.
Lord Astor replied on the same day. 6th Febmary: .likely to involve me in heavy expenses and if you could lend me £500 I
Yours ever,
_ ' Stephen "
So sorry to hear of your diiculty--I will be very glad to lend you
£500. Pay me back when you can, or you can work some of it otf in
treatment, should I have any sprains. bruises or hunting accidents.
At the same time Lord Astor drew a cheque for £500 in Stephen Ward:
favour dated 6th February, 1965. Stephen Ward had no banking accounfso
he couid not pay it into his own account. But the cheque, or the cash it
represented, came into the hands of his counsel. He repaid himself the £50
and offered the £450 to Christine's solicitor.
ix! The £500 goes to Stephen Wald
lll. After £450 was refused Stephen Ward's solicitor collected the £450
from counsel that afternoon and placed it to the credit of Stephen Ward on
their clients account. There it remained until it was withdrawn by Stephen
Ward as to £150 on 20th February, 1963, and the balance on 15th March.
1963. Stephen Ward used the money to pay his rent and other persona] debts.
None of it went to Christine Keeler or anyone on her behalf.
f1r92 In-int-inn cnnl lam-I: In I-in Nnwnnaurl- 92-H1 92-III-"-' I"" "I". " -' -""-r-r-
112. Pending the negotiations about £5,000. Christine T
gone to sign the proofs of her article tor the newspaper. She
and kept away. But when the negothtions broke down she
newspaper. She went and signed the proofs. That was on 8th t
36 ___lndnot
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saw the Attorney-General on 28th January. 1963. before he saw 11%!
of his own. And a week later, on 4th February, 1963, he saw the Ch ti.
These Ministers played a very important part in what took plaee.- "- ' -"
_ _ i 1==L;'0i¢=.=I. _.
I14. No one can understand the part played by the Law Oicers in
the Profurno aair tmless he realises that by a convention which is well
accepted. any of the Ministers of the Crown who thinks he may be involved
in litigation! is entitled. to consult the Law Olcers and ask their advice.
In particular, when a fee-ls that his good @e is being assaed,
he is entitled to consult the Law Oicers and ask them whether anything
said about him is actionable as a libel or slander: and if it is, whether it
is convenient from the point of- view of the Government that he shouldbringan action - " -t ' .- - - - 1 '
il5. It rnust also be remembered that at the end of January. or early
February, 1963, the Law Oiccrs were closely concerned with Lord Radcliea
enquiry into the Vassall case. They had given advice to the Ministers whose
names were mentioned there. They had very much in "mind the position of
Mr. Galbraith. Here was a Minister against whom allegations had been
made, aud who had resigned his occ. Rumours had spread almat lrim in
the Press and in the House of Commons. Yet the evidence against him had.
in the course of the inquiry. been_ shown to be utterly false. and the charge
had been dispro_ved. The inquiry had not been concluded-it was not
concluded until Sth April, 1963-but the Law Oicers had already heard
enough to be able to form a good opinion as to the outcome. 1 ,
116. Such is the background. On 28th January, 1963, Stephen Ward;
counsel asked to see the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General was
engaged at the Vassall case. So the Solicitor-General saw him instead.
Stephen Ward's counsel told the Solicitor-General that a young girl proposed
to write a story for a newspaper, ieiiing of her relationship with various
people. amongst whom was Lord Astor and Mr. Profumo. The Solicitor-
General felt that, as Mr. Profumo's name was mentioned, the Law Olcers
were interested. And when the Attorney-General got back from the Vassall
case at 4.30 p.m., the Solicitor-General said to him: Here is another of
these rumours concerning another Mr. Profumo . As a Minister
was involved the Attorney-General thought it was his duty to see whether
he was going? to bring a libel action and, if so, to say he was available to
help. So the Attorney-General wrote him a note asking him to come and
see him. And that night at about ll p.m. Mr. Protumo Went to sen the
Attorney-General at own lime. - . * ;
ii! The Attorney-General Interviews Mr. Profullo QI17. As this rst interview is of considerable importance I
with it in some detail. The Attorney-General began by telling Mr. _ '
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that he must be absolutely frank with him, andN
Iv.-~D
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tha
to tell the truth. he was not prepared to help him. "
Attorney-Genera! that he had rst met Christine Keeler
his wife and many other people were present. That shortly after
to Stephen Ward's an for a drink at his invitation and that sienna
had done so on several occasions when Christine Keeler was ammg the
guests. Mr. Profumo said that twice when he arrived Christine Keeler was
there alone and there had been a period when they were alone together
before other peopie arrived. ivir. Froiumo asserted the cornpiete ""
of his friendship with her and said that not only had there been no adultery
but no sexual impropriety of any kind whatsoever. Mr. Profumo said that
he recollected having written to her one short note which he thought began
with the word darling ' telling her that he could not come to a cocktail
party. He wrote this note, he said, on the day when he had been seen by
the security people and warned by them not to go to Stephen Ward's at.
because one of Ward: friends was a member of the Russian Embassy.
Mr. Profumo said that this was the total limit of his acquaintance with this
girl. He had now heard that, based on this association and the one letter,
Christine Keeier who had recently become a drug addict and had heen
sleeping with West Indians and was short of money! was proposing to
sell a false story to the newspapers which would ruin him.
I18. The Attorney-General questioned Mr. Profumo about everything
which he told him and emphasised again the vital importance of his telling
him the complete truth. He told him that if there was any truth in these
rumours, he would have to resign. Mr. Profumo reiterated the complete
innocence of his friendship with Christine Keeler and explained that he
commonly used the word darling but said this was of no consequence
as, being married to an actress. he had got into the habit of using this
term of endearment which was quite meaningless. _
1 119. The Attorney-General'told Mr. Profumo that if his story was true.
he would have to take proceedings as soon as he had proof of any publication
of any such story. Mr. Profumo again repeated that there was nothing in these
rumours. The Attorney-General then advised him to instruct the best possible
solicitors and, that day or next morning, suggested that he should get in touch
with Mr. Derek Clogg, a senior partner in Theodore Goddard & 00., a
solicitor of high repute and wide experience.
I20. After hearing Mr. Pro£urnos story the Attorney-General was sus-
picious. He thought it was rather odd. And he retained a reasonable incredulity
about it. He reported the matter to the Chief Whip and discussed the matter
with the Solicitor-General.
iii! The Solicitor-General comes H - a
121. A few days later the Attorney-General went to Mr. _ room.
and he asked the Solicitor-General to come too. The _ -General
emphasised to Mr. Profumo how vital it Was, in his own ' _A those
of everyone, that he should be absolutely frank. Mr. Pref laid he
tmderstood that. and he repeated more shortly and in broad outline wlnt he
' _'i
92
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codrtail parties he Ind given Christine Keeler a lighter which was meat al
valuable em which she ma admired when-he used it. The
asked Mr. Pr@mo whemer in those he was
a writ for slander or libel if he was advised that a proper opportunity yliented
itself. Mr. Profumo said that he most certainly would, even if it were aghast a
friend or colleague. The Solicitor-General reminded him of the elfect of such
a course of action if there was any chance for any defendant attempting to
justify and-could prove that Mr. Protumo had been guilty-of adultery. -Mr.
Profumo replied that he was aware of that. but that not every man who was
alone with a woman and called her darling committed adultefy With her.
Whatever might be said. he was not guilty of any improper conduct with
Christine Keeler or of anything except the friendship of which he had told the
Attcrneyeeneral. Mr. Prchmo said that he appreciated that of course it
now all looked dierent. particularly because of the deterioration in manner
and recent conduct of the girl,,but that at the time when he knew her she was
very different. Mr. Profumo said that he knew that because of those few
meetings and because he had been alone with her only for a short time and
before others had arrived! he now faced ruin for himself and his family. He
knew, he said, that in the particular climate of opinion then prevailing the
Radcliffe Tribunal was still sitting!, there would be those who would disbelieve
him, but that it would be grossly unfair that he should be driven from public
life and into ruin when he was totally innocent and that he should become
a victim of malevolent gossip. some of which was seeking to do to him what
it had tried to do shortly before to one of his colleagues. Mr. Profurno
insisted again, with vehernence, that he had not committed adultery and that,
-although he would naturally prefer that the gossip should tlie down, if anything
was ever published or if he could identify a gossip-monger, he would sue, nomatter who it was.- " " ' ' ' ' '
iv! Mr. lrofumol Story Accepted '
122. On Sunday evening, 3rd February, Mr. Profumo came with his
solicitor Mr. Clogg! to see the Attorney-General at his home. There was a
general discussion in which Mr. Clogg made it clear that Mr. Profumc had
told him just the same as he had previously told the Attorney-General. In
particular that Mr. Profumos relationship with Christine Keeler was entirelyinnocent. i 0 ' '
123. On Monday evening, 4th February, the Attorney-General again
saw Mr. Profumo. Mr. 'Profurno had with him his leading counsel and his
solicitor. They reported to the Attorney-General the request for £5,000 made
by Christinel Keeler, through her solicitor. to Mr. Profumo I have described
this in paragraph 103!. The Attorney-General thought it was serious and
advised Mr. Profumo that the facts should Q placed before the l' re...-ter of
Public Prosecutions. The. Attorney-General took the view that thadiwottld
only be an offence if the proposed publication was untrue and lilazf!
and he was impressed by the fact that Mr. Profumo was ready to
If s prosecution was brought. Mr. Profnmo would have to give on
oath about his relationship with Christine Keeler. _ '1 . _92 A _ _
i *!Note;-L-1 do not yself hare E in ',f': ll] I ' heoffence, if done with ltiihnt tos extort. See paragggh 991: g'l W0 L r - m
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I124. Up till this time the attorney-General had been dubious whether
Mt: Profumo was telling the truth. He WI: keeping the
But when he found that Mr. Profumo was prepared to bring
Hhel, and had actually instructed his solicitor to do so.
prepared to prosecute on the request for £5,000, -he did not see;
disbelieve Mr. Profumo, and decided there was no reason why not
accept his story. We now know that on Tuesdayj 5th February. 1963.
Mr. Profumo and his solicitor did see the Director of Puhlic_Prosecutionl
who advimd against a prosecution. But that does not alfect the argument.
What impressed the Attorney-General was the readiness Of Ml. Pf0fI-lmil
toprosecute. n .- . t - _t .
. . ~ v!TheChielWhip.-1.. .
125. No one can understand the role of the Chief Whip Mr. Martin
Redmayne, MP.! in this matter uniess he reaiises that he is ve concerned
with the good name of the Government and the Ministers who comprise it.
If rumours are about which may embarrass the Government. it is the
business of the Chief Whip to know of them and to report them to the Prime
Minister. The Chief Whip was very concerned at this time with the rumours
about Mr. Galbraith which were subsequently shown in Lord Radciihe's
inquiry to be completely unfounded!. So he was concerned here with the
rumours about Mr. Profumo.
vi! let February, 1963--A Newspaper call at Admiralty Home
126. In order to see how the Chief Whip came into the matter. I
must rst refer to a very important thing which happened. On the afternoon
of Friday, lst February, 1963, a senior executive of a newspaper telephoned
Admiralty House and asked to see the Prime But the Prime
lvlinister was sway in Italy and would not be hack until me evermig o!
Sunday, 3rd February. So the executive called at Admiralty House and gave
this information to one of his Secretaries, who recorded it in this note: '
~ The object of his call concerned a security matter. . .- . Mr. Profumo
had compromised himself with a girl who was involved with a negro
in a case about attempted murder. . . . This girl's story has been sold
to the Daily Mirror Group and it will include passages in which she was
involved with Mr. Profumo and in which the Russian Naval Attache
also gured. . . . Mr. Profumo is alleged to have met this girl Kolania
through Lord Astor at Cliveden, where they chased her naked round the
bathing pool. . . . It is also alleged mat {i} Kola-ale got into this
company through the agency of a Mr. Ward. who was a psychopathic
specialist of Wimpole Street; ii! Mr. Profumo, visiting Kolania' in
Mr. Ward's house, passed in the passage the Russian Naval Attache on
his way out from Kolania: iii! Kolanh' has two letters on will
Oioe paper sigped '3 -although it is not suggested that tlieie lettersare anything more than ones of assignation. . -
ma! 1st February, 1963-Tlse Security Service come to Bu-
127. Du receipt of this minute the Pri_me Minister! ____ _ __..Secretary asked the Deputy Director-General of the Security to come
to Admiralty House. His object was simply to tell him about it and to get
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an ormation which might be helpful for him one Private I _ 'l_I
repclt to the Pnmeuinister. The Private Secretary handed T
Director-General said that very recently the Director-General
condential talk with Mr. Profumo in which Mr. Profumo had
a story that was recognisably_the'iame story: but that the girl was-called
Christine andnot Kolania: that Mr. Ward was Stephen Ward: and that he
was not a psychopathic specialist " but an osteopath. The-Deputy Director-
General told the Private Secretary that these condences seemed to have
been made by Mr. Profumo in the hope that there might be security grounds
for taking action with the Press, by D notice or otherwise, to prevent
publication, but this hope was a vain one. The Deputy Director-General
and the Private Secretary agr% that the rst step v."=.s to teti Mr. Prohnno
what. had been said and ask if ther_e_ was anyitruth in it. The Private
Secretary said he would try and do it that evening. Mr. Profumo would
then have to decide whether he should tender his resignation to the Prime
Minister or not. The Private Secretary said it would be necessary for him
to give the information to the Chief Whip and also to tell the Prime Minister
onhisre_turnfromItaly._ ,__ S; _ ,
128. Late that evening the Private Secretary called on Mr. Profumo and
explained that they had had a story about an articie that might possibly appear
in the Press and which would show him in a bad light. He told him that
normally he would have reported it to the Prime 192_linister,'but he was out
of the country, and asked for advice how to proceed. Mr. Prolusno
that he had been in continuous touch during that week with the Attorney-
General and the Solicitor-General and he was also being advised by a private
rm of solicitors. I-lis solicitor had spoken to someone who was going to put
pressure on the Sunday Pictoriaf not, to publish these articles. His solicitor
was also seeing the girlin question at her request since she said she was in
trouble. Mr. Profumo suggested that the Private Secretary need not bother
the Frime with aii at stage. But the Frivate Secretary
it seemed of great importance that Mr. Protumo should see the Chief Whip
without delay. And Mr. Profumo said he would do so. - t
129. It should be mentioned here that on Sunday, 3rd February, 1963,
the News of the World published a picture of Christine Keeler saying that
she was to be a witness in the shooting case I have describedearlier
paragraph 54!. Most people seeing that picture would realise what she was.
ix! sin February, 1963-_'I'he Chief Whip ms Mr. Profane I
sin LI Dr F us {Ba ["1-tinf ihin nn Mnndav Ash Fehrnnnti 5;],J92|'. I11, 3101 -I-3-Is 38" I-lav -_ma-nuns mar vu any-1-J; 1-. --_--u--;
l2 noon. The Prime Minister's Private Secretary was present HI. 1 _outlined the story for the benet of the Chief Whip. The events ' to
had all taken place between July and December of 1961. He hid ._ It
the bathing pool in July when there had been a pretty cheerful buteverybody had bathing costumes on. Mr. Profumo said he had i ' ,
in order to get a giggle in the evening, gone "round to Stephen Wafl Int
to meet a few young people and have a drink before dinner. Mr. Protumo
said that most of theyoung ladies to be found at this at were not the sort
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of people one would wish to accompany one to a consn
his wife had many theatrical h_e_!92yas_ used to
gelere. Mr. Profumo said=tha,t therehadbeenaietter-w__
Darling " but it had been quit_e_hatntleas. He also to a
a cigarette lighter. His lawyersghad arranged to_meet Christine. Iealer on
Saturday. 2nd February. She had said thatthe money the newspapers were
olfering her for her story was hot enough and she wanted more. She refused
to say that any of thesteries that had been put smut were untrue. She made
it clear that money was what she wanted. Mr._Profumo_said he had been told
by Sir Norman Brook who had been adyisedj by_M.l. 5! to see as little as
possible of Stephen Ward si'nce _there was 'a security problem involved.
Mr. Profumo said that his lawyers had advised him to do nothing but to wait
and see what, if anything, the newspaper published. If this was hbelloul he
could then issue a writ. The Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General were
advising him in the same sense. Mr. Profumo added that he had made It
full report on the position to the Head of the Security Service. ..
_ it! M_r. Profumo AnLe-Should lie Resign!
131. Mr. Profumo asked if he should tell the at this
stage. The Chief Whip thought that it was not necessary. Mr. Profumo and
the Chief Whip discussed the current rumours and Mr. 'Profumo asked
whether the Chief Whip thought he should resign on account of them. The
Chief Whip said that, if they were true, of course he should resign, but if
tmtrue, it would be a great mistake. The thing was to wait for the newspaper
articles if they appearedwhich, he understood. might be in a fortnight-a.nd
then the position would have to be looked at again. Mr. Profttmo said that he
had never met the Russian Assistant Naval Attache at Stephen Wards at.
He had been present at the bathing party in the summer. The oniy other
time he had met him was when, accompanied by his wife. he went to the
Gagarin Receptionand had reason to remember Mr. Ivanov as he promised
to get them a vodka and went otf. never to be seen again.
xi! Mr. Profane: Dimming Answer -
'132. Such was the story told by Mr. Profumo to the Chief Whip and
from which he never resiled. When the Chief Whip. to test him took the
line. " Well, look. nobody would believe that you didn't sleep with her,"
Mr. Profumo made the disarming answer, Y, I know they wouldn't
believe it, but it happens to be true that I didn't sleep with her . He assured
the Chief Whip repeatedly that what he said was true and that he was waiting
for an opportunity to take action to refute the story. The Chief Whip was
kept infnrrned by the Attorney-General of the various discussions which he
had had with Mr. Profumo. Just as the Attorney~General felt that they must
accept his version as true, so did the Chief Whip. The Attorney-General
explained to the Chief Whip from time to time that, it any was
made, a writ would be issued, but that no opportunity had yjtoecurred.
xii! The Westminster Condential » A
133. The rst opportunity toibring an action came whn a private
newsletter called the Westrnirtster. Condential gave mention to the rumours.
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In an issue dated Bth March, 1963. this newsletter referred to the fact that7the girls had started selling their stories .to the Sunday newrpapln IllBdd, -;§:- ~
One of the choicest bits in their stories was a letter;signed Jock on the stationery of the Secretary for W+r. Theby this girl was that not only was this who has a {Queactress as his wife. her client, but also the Soviet Military Attache.apparently a Colonel Ivanov. The famous actress wife. of course. wouldsue for divorce. the scandal ran. Who was using the call-girl to milkwhom of informationthe W+r Secretary or the Soviet MilitaryAttaché?ran the minds of those primarily interested insecurity. __
This newsletter did not come at once to the knowledge of Mr. Profumoorthe Chief Whip or the Attorney-General. They got to know of it about
13th March. g . _ " J - . .. l .
Q 134. The question has been asked. Why was not an action for libeltaken on this publication? It was clearly defamatory ol Mr. Protumo. Ifhe was seeking an opportunity to vindicate himself, why not bring an action?The answer is this: It was considered by Mr. Profumo and his legal adviserand also the Attorney-General. Mr. Profumos legal adviser was disinclinedto take action. He did not think this was the right occasion to sue. TheAttorney-General agreed with this view. The Wes-mu'nster Condential hadtoo small a circulation, and contained scandal about someone else, too, whichought not to be made public. It was very probable that this publication "ofthe Westmirtrter "Condential was only the beginning, so that very soon storiesmight begin to appear in the national Press. It was better, therefore, to waitfor a more substantial publication. S * . c ' - ' "
13$. The opportunity to refute the rumours was not long in coming.It came in a fortnight. But it came in an unexpected form. On 21st March.1963, Members of Parliament made statements in the House of Commons.
Meanwhile many things had happened. Christine Keeler had disappeared.She did not appear to give evidence at the Edgecombe trial. And to add toall the previous rumours. there was a new one. that Mr. Profumo had
helped her to disappear. ' _
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THE DISAPPEARANCE or CHRISTINE Iliq
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136. One of the tnatters that has given rise to much public uneasiness is
Christine Keelers disappearance in March, I963. with the result that she never
appeared to give evidence at the triai of iohn gecornhe. She was talr
to Spain by Paul Mann. It is suggested that this was procured by people
in high places. because they were afraid their names might come out in
her evidence at the trial. It this be the ease. then it would be. of course. "a
very serious matter. ' - : . P . 2 i ' 1,
I37. The law is this: II a witness. who is bound over by recognimnce
to appear to give evidence. does not come forward at the trial, his liability
depends whether there is good excuse or not. If he or she has a good excuse.
as, for instance, is ill and cannot come, it is no breach of recognizance. Bid
if he orsl1e has no goodexcuse, then the recognizance is liable to. he
forfeited. In this case Christine Keeler was bound over in the sum of £40
and she forfeited that sum. But there is this further law: It is a criminal
olfence for two "or more persons to conspire together to obstruct the course
of justice by getting a witness to disappear. see Rex v. Srevenron 802!
2 East 362. And in seeing whetherpersons have been guilty of a conspiracy,
it was said by Lord Campbell when Lord Chief Justice of England. If the
necessary elfect of the agreement was to defeat the ends of justice. that
must be taken to be the object , see Regina vf Hemp and others 852!
6 Cox Criminal Cases at p. I72 [I think must should probably be read as
mn!'.] ' I . ' -. la I .,92
138. Such being the law l have looked _to' see whether there is anyevidence ofanysuch oonspiracyq ' i_ -- J1 ' -~ '
1! The Solicitor is afraid she will be Spirited out of the Country ._ _
I39. Before considering Christine I eelers disappearance in March, I
must refer to what happened early in February, 1963. when the John
Edgecombe case was expected to come on shortly. Stephen Ward: solicitor
told me that he was scared that Christine Keefer would disappear: The
one thing I was afraid of was that Christine Keefer, a material witness m the
Erlgecombe trial, would be spirited out of the country". I asked him, Why
did you fear that? I-Iis answer was: Simply because of various things
Ward had said to me . The solicitor gave Stephen Ward this rm and wise
advice. On no account must any of us be a party to that thing .
I40. About that very time too, early in February, 1963. Mann on
his own admission to me! made this suggestion to Stephen a counsel
I have already quoted it. but it is so important that at this - - _ -sepeat it!:
I said I did not know what she was going to do. but I ' would be
only too willing to take her away after the trial and to keep 1-- away
from her. I remember saying, too, that I certainly could nofdb it all on
my own funds but I was quite prepared to make a holiday for myself ".
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When I asked Paul Mann the question: They wanted her to
after the trial? he replied, " No, was p_tel"¢Iy a suggestion that rile p
disappear; nobody said, Yes, we want her to go after the trial. _-.;i§,,._.».
141. I"'take it to be clear, therefore, that ea'rly"in- Febrhlly. 1983,
Stephen Ward conceived the idea that Christine Keeler should disappear and
mentioned it to Paul Mann; that Paul Mann was willing to assist in it: but
nothing was said expressly whether she was to disappear before or after the
tr-ial.It is eqttaiiy that that the la-vyers'-would have nothing to do wimit.
It was on 5th Febrtmry,'l963, that Mr. Profumo and his lawyer consulted the
Director of Public Prosecutions. On 7th February. "Mr. Profumrfs solicitor
told Stephen Ward's solicitor of the point. Stephen Ward's solicitor who
had on the day before approved the offer of £500! told me, Myamber light
very quicidy turned to red and I told my client on no a%ttnt must he pay
any money to her or her solicitor or to her account". Even the £500 was not
to be paid to her. He told me: . The thing I was mredof from the very
beginning was that Christine Keeler would be spirited away out of the
country. and the. last thing I wanted was for Stephen Ward to be concerned
that. And if she had disappeared abroad or had had £5% from as. it
_would have looked extremely shy." _ . , '
u ' iii! Paul Mann Plans to Take a Holiday S '-
142. As it happened the %gecorohe t was postponed herause of the
illness of the mini-cab driver. It was adjourned until the next Sessions and
was expected to come on for trial in March, 1963. Meanwhile, however, from
the rst week in February, 1963. Paul Mann was in close touch with Christine
Keeler. He told me that he started to spend a tremendous amount of
with her, almost as it were keeping a 24-hour watch on her. The time txme, -"
he told me, when she was in a very distressed state and wanted to leave and
get away from it all. She told me herself that she was in fear of two coloured
men who had been paid to cut her up. She said. I knew it was my duty to
go to the Court but to tell you the truth. I thought, To hell with my duty,
i am not going to iet people knock me about from here to there . I not
realise the seriousness of th_e consequences.- I just decided to leave."
Paul Mann told me that he had himself been planning to have a holiday in
Spain a little later but at Christine Keelers request he brought his holiday
forward about two weeks and decided to go earlier. The decision was taken
about the end oi February. 1963, and they left on the night oi Friday,
8th March, 1963.
i _ iv! They Leave for Spell - s - -
143. They went by car. It a Qty or tmee, Paid
Keeler and Kim Proctor. They told me they had very
Christine Keeler had £20 which she gave to Paul Mann. Kim
money too. I asked Paul Mann what means he had at that
I had my own means, untreceable resources. It did really,
Fdday that, that! us in a sticky position. Betwan the three Q t92_l. _think we had £100 and some dollars, but I had an insurance cheque £175.
TheinsurancecompanyhadanoiceinSpain.andIthoughttha'cwould
be no trouble in cashing it at all. but it turned out it_to0k them practically
4s "
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four weeks to cash this cheque. At any rate,
they drove across France and into Spain and
remote shing viiiage on the coast d Spain. 116 one m -mt
lwhereabouts until they went to Madridpat the week-end
1963. .. - , . ., .- ,. .._ . "
-Zn
' ' v!TheNew|papcrlliindTheI -A
144. On Sunday. 2-tth March. 1963. Paul Mann telephoned the British
Embassy. Early on Monday. 25th March. 1963, Christine Keeler appeared at
a police station in Madrid and asked to stay the night. Newspaper reporters,
she said, were besieging the at where she was staying. The newsplpd
reportersdidinfactndthem.Andtheywereq1nch_to1nakeacontractMthher under which she would sell them the story of her disappearance. Fan!
Mann negotiated it. She was to get £2.0lIl. of which 25 per cent £500! went
to Paul Mann. The newspaper l¬pO1I.6l'S' arranged accommodation for her.
as she had nothing. They gave £45 to Paul Mann for immediate expenses.
The rest was paid to them when they got back to England. On 28th March,
-1963, they brought Christine Keeler back to Enghnd and tool: her to Scotland
Ya-rd. On lst April. 1963, she went to the Central Crimiml Court and her
reeognisance in the sum of £40 was forfeited for her non-appearance. Paul
Mann did not return till some time later. He only_ came hack on 12th June.
1963. - e - .
14$. If the intention of Paul Mann and Christine Keeler was to enable
Christine Keeler to avoid being called as a witness in the Edgecombe trial,
they succeeded completely. The trial of John Edgecombe was started on
Thursday. 14th March, 1963, and nished on Friday. 15th March, 1963.
Christine Keeler was of course missing. The prosecution could. no doubt,
have applied for an adjournment if they had thought t, and it would probably
have been granted: for she was an important witness. But the prosecution
did not apply for an adjournment. Nor did the defence. So the case went on.
- 146. Rumours inevitably spread that an important witness had been got
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143. Lord Astor. foo. strongly denied um he had paid
was away in the United States at t.he_tiine sk dts_e'fp"a-. , ..
away from 27th February. 1963. to 12th April. 1963. He. $00.1! _
placedallrecordsofhisbankaccountsandtlnaneialdealingsfullyg le-I have had them examined by the same expert accountant nominated by ma.
He again made a most exhaustive examination and made more minute
enquiries. All his queries have been satisfactorily answered. [have been
through his report and there are only these payments by Lot-d'Astor to or forStephen Ward which AI need mention: c ' " '
! A cheque for £100 which is said to have been by Stephen Ward
to the landlord of a at in Comeragh Road. was early in 1961
and had clearly no relevance to the Gisppere Of Cil1i$iiB¢ K656?-
! A cheque for £500 on 6th February. I963, which is dealt with in
paragraph 110. As I have stated none of this was used to pay for the
disappearance of Christine Keelet: .
! A cheque for £200 on 8th May. 1963. In April. 1963. Stephen Ward had
surrendered the tenancy of the cottage. Lord Astor paid this sum to
Stephen Ward in respect of improvements made by him at the cottage.
Stephen Ward used this to pay his solicitors fees. None of it was used
to pay for the disappearance of Christine Keelex. i
There is no trace of any money being paid by Lord Astor to anyone in
furtherance of the disappearance of Christine Keeier. All his payments have
been fully and satisfactorily accounted for. I hold that in his case aiso the
rumour is entirely without foundation. ' - .
viii!Paul Manlflecluitylloxel it t . v
149. Paul Mann strongly denied that he received any money. He has
some resources but not from Mr. Profutno or Lord Astor. When I asked about
his bank account he did tell me: I have a couple of security boxes that
nobody knows of. I keep everything very secretive = t . the two security boxes
are not in my name, entirely secret. I just dout like anybody knowing anything
about me in that respect . . . but they certainly do not contain any such sums
that were olfered to me or given to me or supposed to be given to me.
Whatever I have is entirely my own. It has not been gained by any weird
tvays." I have no reason to doubt this statement
ix! A Possible Motive
150. I niust add that there is no evidence whatever that Paul Mann or
Christine Keeler received any money for her disappearance. It is quite clear
that. on this trip to Spain, Paul Mann was very short of money. t was
Christine Keeler. It must be remembered that she had lost her -t --
_with the newspapers. The Sunday Pictorial told her on 24th --~ -i
that they were not going to publish her story. She had no further "
the oing. The only pecuniary motive that has been suggestedto "0
this: It may be that they both foresaw that, if she disappeared, than
a good story to sell to the newspapers and they hoped to nd their
that _way. If so, they succeeded in their object. .
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151. l return therefore to my initihl question: Ia there my evidence of
aoonspir-acytoobstructthecourseofjusticebycausingChtiII§Ieelerto
disappear? There is no evidence whltev to implicate Mr. or Lord
Astor. There is, however, some evidence against Paul Mam: l Chitin:
Keelerz for the very fact of their concerted action in causing her to dislppeu
is evidence suicient for the purpose see the dictum of Lord Campbell which
I have already quoted!. But it would be a question for e jury whether they did
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/ 152... on ism March. 1s63,'Ji>1m lidgeconihe up is um at
Central Criminal Court before. Mr. Justice Thesiger and a jury. The
indictments contained ve counts: Count l dealt with the slashing. -It
charged Edgecomhe that on 27th October, 1962, he wounded Gordon with
intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Counts 2 to 5 dealt with the
shooting '. They charged Edgecombe with these ollences on 14th December,
1962: shooting at Chrirsne Keeler with intent w mm murder: sh...~>*J:'.g
at her with intent to do grievous bodily harm: possessing a rearm with
intent to endanger life: and having an oensive weapon without lawful
authority. . . _ . . e
153. Both counsel for the prosecution and for the defence knew that
Christine Keeler. a very important witness, had disappeared, but neither
applied for an adjournment, and the trial proceeded without her evidence.
Counsel for the prosecution simply said to the jury: I am unable to call
the principal witness._Miss Keeler, before you. As far as the police are
concerned, she has disappeared. It is nothing to do with the defendant.-
The trial did not nish on 14th March, 1963, but continued on to the
_l5th March, 1963. In the result John Edgecornbe was acquitted on the
counts of shooting with intent to murder Count 2! and shooting with
intent to do grievous bodily harm Count 3!. He was also acquitted on the
count of wounding Gordon on 27th October, 1962 Count 1!. But he was
convicted of possessing a rearm with intent to endanger life Count 4!.
The Judge discharged the jury from giving a verdict on Count 5.!
154. After the verdict. evidence was given of John Edgecombe'e
character. In 1951 he was convicted on two cases of stealing. in 1959 for
I me n imnnarnl am-nino and in U35! for unlawful nggggggign gfiiatigterdils ¢"r'§§§."i~ne'i'{1Zi'g'L°§Ln¥;ZI==s m£§ for seven yettr.
He appealed against his conviction and sentence but on 27th May, 1963. the
Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed the appeal.
155. It seems plain that the absence of Christine Keeler had an important
inuence on the course of the case. As the Lord Chief Justice said, The
fact that the Jury acquitted on the rst two shooting! charges seems to this
Court natural in the absence of the girl ". I may perhaps add that the
acquittal on Jthe ' slashing charge seems natural. also. in the absence of
the girl over whom the men were quarrelling.
ii! The Attorney-General Makes Inquiries
156. The Attorney-General, of course, had nothing to do
prosecution of John Edgecombe. The rst he heard of the ' _ _ '
of Christine Keeler was from the evening papers. Next day 'IIe
circulating round the Temple that an important witness had been got out
of the way for political reasons and that some bargain had been made that
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the case should go on without her. I am
prosecution were party to no such bargain.
to the Attomey-General and explained howproceeded without this witness. It wasn
reasons: a! He thought there was suiclent evidence _ ' _
witness; b! John Edgecombe was in custody; and c! the til!been postponed once because of the illness of a witness. I
toqnestionthesei-cums-theyarecogent--btltlthinlzthat.itwassnunfortunatedecisian.Itmadeitdiicultfortheprosecut|ask for a conviction of John Edgecombe on the charge of slashing Lucky
Gordon on 27th October. 1962, and'on'the charges of shooting at Christine
Keeler on I-tth December, 1962. with intent to murder her or cause her
grievous bodily hann John Edgeoombe was not convicted on any of these
charges!: and it nude it possible for John Edgecombe to conaplain ash he
=92.-&l-"5""-"_....a|'--'complained to me! that he had no opportunity to cross-examine her as b
hercharacteramiast0thefactthatthe'gunwas,ashe said,hergu'n. It'nalways a telling point for a defendant to say he had no opportunity tn
cross-examine the chief witness for the prosecution.! More important eventhan this, it heightened the suspicion that her disappearance was manoeuvredfor political reasons. It was thought to be in Mr. Profunio's interest that sheshould disappear and, he W3s_Sl.lpp05cd to he at'the back of it, " W; s H
- . 157.- The Attorney-General made immediate inquiries into the matter.
He saw Mr. Profumo-and asked him whether he had anything to do with
the disappearance of the witness and Mr. Profumo assured the Attorney-
General that neither he nor anyone on his behalf had had anything to no
with the absence of Christine Keeler as a witness at the trial. " -
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ct-mvrnnxt
PRESS COMMENT C" "'_ _ .
i! The Sunday Pictorial Abando One Story and Accept Anotid
_ 158. It is time to revert to what the_Press had been doing. It_wi1l be
remembered that, in early February, 1963, when the Edgecombe case was
expected any day, the Sunday Pictorial were thinking of publishing the story
which Christine Keeler had given them. But Stephen Ward and his lawyers
were doing aii they oouhji to stop publication. when the Edgmfmm sawwas adjourned, there was not the same urgency: because nothing could
be published till after the Edgecombe case. Nevertheless, Stephen Ward wasnot idle. He saw the newspaper, and also wrote to them, saying that
Christine's story was untrue. _ ._ - t _ A l - ,. ,
159. During the three days, 19th to 21st February, 1963, there were
important discussions between the newspapermen. on the one hand, and
Stephen Ward and his solicitor on the other hand. The upshot oi this was
a proposal that the newspaper should abandon Christine Keeler's story
and publish Stephen was-ds story This proposal eventually was
found acceptable to all concerned. But there was no actual bargain about it.
The newspaper realised that they could not safely publish Christine Keelers
story but could safely publish Stephen Wards. And that is what "they
decided to do. On Thursday, 28th February, the newspaper wrote to
Christine Keeler saying that they had decided not to publish her story.
This meant that she had to rest content with the £200 she had received
she lost all chance of the balance of £800. About this time they made
arrangements for Stephen Ward's story. They got it ail ready for publication
immediately after the Edgecombe trial which was expected in March.
ii! The Daily Express has a Striking First Page
160. The Edgecombe trial was held. as I have said, on 14th and lith
March, 1963. On the very rst day, Thursday, 14th March. the announcement
was made that Christine Keeler was missing. This attracted much attention.
On the very next day, Friday, the 15th. whilst the case was still part heard,
the Daily Express came out with a front page which had a banner headline
WAR MIMSTER SHOCK . On the left-hand side there was a photograph
of Mr. and Mrs. Profu.1_'n.o, with the comment:
Mr. John Profumo. the War Minister, has offered his
to Mr. Macmillan for personal reasons. The Prime isunderstood to have asked him to stay on. There has been
about Mr. Profumos future among M.Ps. for several weeks. U9
steps of his house in Chester Terrace, Rcgents Park, he said: I have
not seen the Prime Minister and I have not resignedthere is no rellon
why I should. This is taken to mean that he has accepted the PrimeMiniste-2s¬uest to stay." _ ' .
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--. _ _
161. On the right-hand side of the page there was a photograph
Christine Keeler headed VANISHED OLD BAILEY _
This is Christine Keeler, the 21-year-old model who thud to
he missing yesterday when the Old Bailey trial of a man ieennd of
attempting to murder her began, The jury was told:__ As tar as me policeare concerned, she has simply disappeared . ' ' ' ' ' I C
On an inner page there were four striking photographs of Christine lieeler
from which most people could readily infer her cailing. " _ t ' _ A i
l62._ In point of fact, Mr. Protumo had never seen" the Prime Minister
nor offered his resignation. All that had happened was that, six weeks earlier.
he had seen the Chief Whip and asked if he ought to resign and had been
told that it there was no truth in the rumours, he should not resign. The
Daily Express was not the only newspaper to get the story of an oer ofresignation. The Liverpool Daily Post had it also. 1' l - - = '
163. The Daily Express told me that the juxtaposition ofthe two stories
--Christine Keelers disappearance and Mr. Profumo's resignationwaa'
entirely coincidental and supplemented it with reasons. Accepting this to be
so, it had nevertheless unfortunate results. It is true. of course, that those of.
the readers who had not heard the rumours would not take it that there was
any connection between the two stories. But it would seem that some of
their readers, namely those who had heard the tumour of Mr. Proiumdk
association with Christine Keeler, now added to it this further rumour, that
he was responsible for her disappearance. To them it would carry a
defamatory meaning. t '- . - - ~ .-I - ..»' I
. .' - .--1. .}
' iii! The Attorney-General is Consulted * - '-
l64. The front page of the Daily Expren aroused a good deal of alarm.
The Chief Whip felt the thing was getting out of hand. He asked whether it
was actionable. On the self-same day. 15th March. 1963, the Prime Minister
himself discussed the position with the Attorney-General. The Attorney-
Geheral thought it would be premature to issue any writs or anything of
that sort. He took the view that there was nothing in the newspaper that
could be described as defamatory: and that the right course was to wait for
the Sunday newspapers and sec what, if anything, they published. .
iv! The Sunday Pictorial rnbnni Stephan Wild! Story _
1655 The Sunday Pictorial waited till after the Edgecombe case to
publish Stephen Ward's story. They had got it all ready beforehand. It was
approved by Stephen Ward and his solicitors. The fee was to M8575. It wasto be paid direct to Stephen Ward's solidtors. The reason because
.. ;-ifStephen Ward owed his solicitors £475 for the costs of all to stop
Christine Keelefs story: and his solicitors wanted to be an _ _ _' money.
166. So, as soon as the Edgecombe case was Sunday.
17th March, I963, the Sunday Pictorial published Stephen Wlltliltolj. They
combined it with a cogent comment on the disappearance of Christine Keeler.
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- ~ -1 _ e front page, there was a large photograph of her. Then below in E . Iettets,- " THE MODEL, M.I.=5. THE RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT
hy"Stephen Ward ". followed by this description: e - _- ' "- 1
" This is Christine Keeler, the 21-year-old red-head model
made news this week as t.he'ntissing'witnessin an Old Bailey
trial. Christine knew a number of distinguished men in public
she fear they might be named in the case? What irshe like. this girl who
came to London and became the friend of the famous and the wealthy?
Vi-v"no knows her oetterlthan Stephen vv"ar_d?"_p ' _ _ ., '
On the inside pages there was the article by Stephen Ward on ? My friendship
with . But there was not a word about _Mr. Profumo in it. so it
gave him_no cause of action. A day _or two later the newspaper paid Stephen
Wards solicitor £525 for the story,_ and that was the end of that transaction;
subject, however,to the Darling letter; H _ _. _' I" _t _, Z V-
_ . 1 .' v!'IheDarlingI.etterisHudedllack i -
167. Onepimportant thing, however, remained to be done. The SundayPictorial had aii this time held the original of the Darling letter, that is, the
letter of 9th August, l961,_by Mr. Profnrno to Christine Keeler. They had
kept it in their safe. It was the most talked of unseen letterin London, but
no one asked to see it. And they had photographs of it too. They had it in
mind, of course. On 15th March,_l963, when Stephen Ward's story had been
accepted and the solicitor went to approve it, the newspaper editor"men'tioned
the letter. He told Stephen Ward's solicitor; , I have got in my possession
the indiscreet letter. Once things are over and done with, I will let you have
it." This did not form part of the negotiations. There was no bargainahout it,
168. The Sunday Pictorial continued to keep the letter. Even after the
Edgecornbe ease, no one asked to see it. Even after Mr. Proftunos statement
in the House on 22nd March, 1963. no one asked to see it. But eventually
the Sgmday Pictorial did not want to'keep it any more. They wanted to get
rid of it. They suggested to Stephen Ward's solicitor that he should have it.
So on Wednesday. 3rd April, 1963, Stephen Wards solicitor went and got
it from them. Bat both the newspaper and Stephen Wards solicitor soon had
second thoughts about the propriety of this. They seem to have cometo
the conclusion that the proper person to have the letter was Mr. Profumo's
solicitor, because the oopyright in it belonged to Mr. Profumo. So on 5th April.
Stephen Wards solicitor handed it over to Mr. Profumo's solicitor. But the
newspaper kept their photographs of the letter. Alter all they had paid
Christine Keeler £200. Maybe the photographs of the letter would come inuseful one tlpy. 1 ' ' t ' ' ' ' ' " -
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169. The disappearance of Christine Keeler--and the trout page or the
Daily Express-had the inevitable result. Rumours multiplied that
Mr. Profumo was responsible for her disappearance. Within a week. on
Thursday, 2-let March. 1963. these rumours found voice in the Home of
Commons. Shortly after ll pm. Mr. George Wig; rose and said, Then
isnotanHon.MemberintheHouse.norajournalistin1ePremGallery.
not do I believe is there a person in the public gallery who, in the last few
days. has not heard rumour upon rumour involving a Member oi the
Government Front Bench. . ; ..I myself use-the Privilege of the House
of Commons-that is-what it is given me for-to ask the Home Secretary
to go to the Despatch Box . .' . . he knowsthat the rumour to which '1 refer
relates to Miss Christine Keeler and Miss Davies and a shooting by _a West
Indian--and onbehalt of the Government, categorically deny the truth ol
these rumours '. . . . on the other hand, if there is anything in them set up
u Select Committee. Mr. Crossman supported him. About 11.50 pm;
Mrs. Castle asked this question. What it it is a perversion of justice that is
at stake? The Clerk of the Central Criminal Court is reported as saying;
If any member of the public did know where Miss Kceler was. it i
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