During World War II, Britain's intelligence agencies, MI5 and MI6, often operated at cross-purposes, with MI5 focused on domestic security and MI6 on overseas operations. Tensions arose due to differing priorities, overlapping responsibilities, and personal conflicts between their leaders. MI5, under Guy Liddell, distrusted MI6's charismatic chief, Stewart Menzies, who pursued ambitious and sometimes risky espionage operations. MI5 also resented MI6's access to secret funds and its perceived interference in domestic affairs. These divisions led to occasional conflicts, such as when MI5 refused to share sensitive information with MI6 out of concern for potential leaks. However, despite their differences, MI5 and MI6 ultimately worked together to protect Britain's national interests during the war.
