MI6, insider dealing and robbery: it’s another Harold Wilson conspiracy theory

The timing of Harold Wilson’s resignation on March 16 1976 is an enduring mystery and conspiracy theories abound. Had the onset of Alzheimer’s unnerved him? Was he about to be denounced as a Soviet spy? There’s even a preposterous suggestion that Lord Mountbatten gave up his regular lunches with Barbara Cartland to plan a military coup against Wilson. The eminent lawyer, Sir Desmond de Silva, adds a further theory in today’s Times: stolen documents proving that Wilson was involved in insider trading were for sale to continental magazines, and that might have forced Wilson out. Sir Desmond, who later defended one of the alleged thieves, said:

“I had known nothing about this burglary. Apparently it was discovered by Wilson’s private secretary,” Sir Desmond said. Referring to notes that he had made at the time, he told The Times: “Maurice (Sir Maurice Oldfield, Chief of MI6) told me that the papers stolen from the offices were now being offered for sale to German and Dutch magazines.