The UK and the USA are known to have a "special" relationship. However, things weren't always that "special". Back in world war two things were not quite as they seemed to be. Mistrust, double crossing and covert affairs were the order of the day. For the Brits, the American's  unwillingness to participate in the second world war gave enough of an excuse for some elaborate espionage, that was until Pearl Harbour galvanised the US into action. The Irregulars by Jennet Conant is a must read for anyone interested in finding out what inspired Ian Flemming to create "James Bond" and how the Germans were sent on many a wild goose chase.

To find out what Lord Holy Fox, Roald Dahl and BSE have in common pick up the book. A link to the podcast from Radio 2GB will be available shortly. In the meantime to find out more about this fascinating story follow the links above. You may also be interested in going to the Bletchley Park web site - home of the Enigma machine and critical to BSE's success.