Thatcher Ignored MI5 Assassination Warnings Before Paris Visit
### Margaret Thatcher Dismissed MI5 Warning of Assassination Threat
#### Documents Show Prime Minister Overlooked Serious Risks Prior to Paris Visit
Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister, ignored significant warnings about an assassination threat from MI5 prior to her visit to Paris. The recently revealed documents indicate that MI5 had assessed a "substantial risk" to her safety. This intelligence came shortly before her planned trip, raising alarms within security circles.
Authorities noted that the publicity surrounding Thatcher's visit heightened the threat level. "You will see the assessment [by MI5] is that there is a 'substantial risk' to the Prime Minister and that 'the advance publicity which her visit is likely to receive increases that risk'," stated Mr. Bone, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Despite the compelling analysis, Thatcher chose to proceed without direct attention to the warnings.
The assessment suggested that the risk was not to be taken lightly, prompting MI5 to recommend bringing the threat to the Prime Minister's personal attention. "You may consider that the threat assessment should be brought to the Prime Minister's personal attention," Mr. Bone advised. MI5 assured officials they would maintain vigilance over the lead-up to the summit and would provide updates on any changes in the situation, stating, "We shall of course keep a very close watch on the situation between now and the time of the summit and shall let you know if there is any change in the assessment."
Amidst these concerns, it was revealed that "two small containers of high explosives" were part of the potential threat, underscoring the seriousness of the warnings led by MI5 at that time. The documents illustrate a significant failure to heed critical intelligence warnings, potentially endangering the Prime Minister's life during her international engagements.