Driving a Stake
The metaphor "driving a stake through the plans of future operations" expresses the sacrifice of the Georgians as a necessary measure. It highlights a violent and definitive action that leaves no room for the possibility of recovery. The passage illustrates that Philby was aware of the likely outcome for the Georgians and accepted their tragic fate. He believed that eliminating the Georgians would significantly impede the activities of their network. It portrays Philby as someone who calculated the risks and made a strategic decision even though it involved sacrificing the lives of others. Thus, the metaphor encapsulates the morally dubious nature of his actions and the extent to which he was willing to go to protect his interests.
Souvenir of War
The phrase "Philby was Angleton's souvenir of war" implies that Philby held a significant place in Angleton's life. It alludes to their shared experiences and alliance in the field of counterintelligence. Angleton displayed Philby proudly by parading him around Washington like a trophy. Just as a souvenir holds sentimental value, Philby was a tangible representation of the reliability they had exhibited in the past. This further emphasizes the strong bond and admiration that Angleton had for Philby. However, the metaphor also hints at a darker undertone. Souvenirs can be objects of manipulation as they can be used to create a false narrative. The phrase encapsulates the intricate dynamics of their relationship illustrating the fusion of trust, pride, and manipulation.
The Third Man
Philby was suspected of being the elusive and unidentified figure behind the espionage activities of Burgess and Maclean. The term "Third Man" is a metaphoric representation of an unknown individual who plays a significant role in a situation. The revelation of Philby as the third man came through the whispers and accusations that started circulating even within Philby's social circles. At a dinner party, his wife confronts him and declares, “I know you are the Third Man.” The government had maintained that the other two individuals were merely missing diplomats. Thus, the metaphor implies that British secrecy laws were used to conceal the truth and protect the government from embarrassment. It affirms that the government's attempt to explain the Burgess and Maclean affair was seen as an intentional effort to protect Philby from being implicated.
Whitehall Mandarin
The narrator portrays Philby as “sounding exactly like a Whitehall Mandarin upholding the ancient rules of British secrecy.” The comparison highlights Philby's adherence to the traditional principles of British secrecy and his defense of the Official Secrets Act. It suggests that his speech was characterized by a formal, bureaucratic, and official tone. This is reminiscent of the way a Whitehall Mandarin would speak when upholding the principles of secrecy within the government. He is conforming to the established norms and practices of the government even amid controversy.
Brushfire
The narrator asserts, "The news of Philby’s defection tore like brushfire through the intelligence communities on both sides of the Atlantic." This phrase draws a parallel between the spread of the news and the destructive nature of a brushfire. The news quickly consumed the attention of intelligence personnel which generated shock and furious recrimination. Moreover, the metaphor alludes to the transformative and disruptive effects of the news. Philby's betrayal shattered the trust and camaraderie within the intelligence communities. The spread of the news triggered confusion as the agencies grappled with the ramifications of Philby's actions. Hence, the phrase underscores the far-reaching consequences including strained relationships and compromised operations.
