Security Intelligence Middle East (SIME) 1939-1958

Security Intelligence Middle East (SIME) was a mid-20th century British intelligence organisation based in Egypt, with responsibilities covering the entire Middle East region. Formed under military aegis on the outbreak of the Second World War, SIME’s leadership was drawn from MI5, which became a predominating influence. It nevertheless maintained a co-operative relationship with MI6 during the War. Organisational rivalries became more intense in peacetime, when SIME came under formal MI5 control (ref 4, p.18).