Scholar, diplomat, Intelligence pioneer: Herbert Norman and Canada’s Special Intelligence Section, 1942-1945

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using recently declassified documents, this article examines the wartime work of Canada’s Special Intelligence Section under diplomat Herbert Norman. This was the first experiment with all-source strategic intelligence analysis in Canada. The SIS scrutinized intercepted Japanese and French communications, and prepared regular intelligence reports on enemies’ conduct of the war. Its analysis sometimes veered into prescriptions of Allied policy and grand strategy for the benefit of readers like Prime Minister Mackenzie King. During the Second World War, Canada’s SIS demonstrated that intelligence personnel with deep expertise could produce insightful analyses of key global developments for strategists and decision-makers.