ABSTRACT
This chapter studies the period from September 1939 to November 1942, the period in which the foundations for the Mediterranean double-cross system were laid. A main point of analysis is the double agent Cheese and his role in important operational deceptions in 1941 and 1942. The chapter also assesses the important relationship between authorities in London and Cairo in developing both the UK and Mediterranean double-cross systems, primarily on matters of organization and signals intelligence. The chapter argues that this was the vital period in preparing the double-cross system, but that it did not emerge before 1943 due to deficiencies with the agents and with signals intelligence.
