The war-time booklet is pretty strict on the use of disguises. (Image: Getty)
A newly released guide for MI5 “watchers” during reveals the intriguing advice new recruits were given – including a surprising warning about facial hair.
The instructions came to light through a declassified training booklet for rookie operatives on display as part of a new exhibition on MI5’s wartime activities.
The documents, on display in the National Archives in Kew, West , suggest the organisation was keen to dismiss any fantasies about the glamour of espionage.
“Observation is a very onerous and exacting profession,” it tells officers.
“Screen sleuths of the secret service thriller or detective novel appeal to the uninitiated, but in actual practice there is little glamour and much monotony in such a calling as ‘observation.’”
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An ideal candidate, it says, is “a rather nondescript type”, able to blend unnoticed into their surroundings.
Top applicants will also be not more than 5ft 7ins or 5ft 8ins in height and able to look “as unlike a policeman as possible”.
“It is a mistake to use men who are too short as they are just as conspicuous as tall men,” the booklet reads, as per The .
The instructions also bear bad news for aspiring spies looking forward to donning elaborate disguises.
“It may be considered essential in secret service films, but it is practice to be deplored,” the guidelines warn.
“A false moustache or beard is easily detected, especially under the high lights of a restaurant, pub, or in a train,” they add.
Detailed tactics for following suspects is also provided, with the recommendation that operatives work in pairs if possible.
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“Keep about 25-30 yards behind the quarry, and when on the move by foot it is preferable to keep on the opposite pavement, except in very busy streets.
“Be prepared for the suspect to board a moving vehicle such as a bus, tram, or train, or hailing a cruising taxi, or any other device to shake off a ‘tail.’”
It also cautions that when subjects become suspicious, they “often board a train just before the doors close, making himself the last one on the train, or he may alight at the last moment: so do not give him any rope on such occasions”.
And despite trying to play down the more filmic aspects of the job, the booklet does include some advice for cab chases, advising officers to; “Choose, if possible, a modern cab for following and enthuse a little extra activity into the driver in order that he may avoid the suspect’s detecting the following cab in mirrors or from the rear window.
Rookies are also told to concoct “a suitable tale which may go down well with the cabby, such as a divorce case, absconding husband or wife, and promise the driver a good tip”.
MI5’s stated aim is to protect the UK’s citizens and interests against national security threats at home and overseas while MI6 (also known as SIS) gathers intelligence overseas in support of the government’s security, defence, foreign and economic policies.