Operation Gladio: A Detailed Examination of Names, Dates, and the Use of Nazis
Overview
Operation Gladio was a covert operation orchestrated by NATO and the CIA during the Cold War, involving the creation of "stay-behind" armies in Western Europe. These clandestine networks were designed to conduct guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and espionage in the event of a Soviet invasion. The operation became infamous not only for its secretive nature but also for the controversial involvement of former Nazis and fascists.
Key Figures and Involvement
**Allen Dulles**: As the Director of Central Intelligence from 1953 to 1961, Allen Dulles played a significant role in the establishment and operation of Gladio networks. Dulles was instrumental in the CIA’s broader strategy to counter Soviet influence in Europe, which included supporting anti-communist regimes and covert operations
**Reinhard Gehlen**: A former Wehrmacht general who headed the Nazi military intelligence on the Eastern Front, Gehlen was recruited by the U.S. after World War II. He established the Gehlen Organization, which later became the West German Federal Intelligence Service (BND). Gehlen's network, consisting of former Nazi operatives, was crucial to the early development of Gladio.
Use of Former Nazis and Fascists
Operation Gladio utilized individuals with Nazi backgrounds due to their staunch anti-communist stance and expertise in covert operations. This recruitment was particularly evident in countries like Germany, Italy, and Belgium:
1. **Germany**: The Gehlen Organization, under Reinhard Gehlen, included numerous former Nazis who were seen as valuable assets in intelligence and covert operations against the Soviet threat.
2. **Italy**: Members of the Italian Social Republic, a fascist puppet state during World War II, were integrated into the Gladio network. Their anti-communist fervor made them ideal candidates for the stay-behind armies.
3. **Belgium and France**: Similar recruitment patterns were observed in these countries, where former Nazi collaborators and right-wing extremists were involved in Gladio operations.
Notable Events and Dates
**1948**: The foundation for Operation Gladio was laid in the immediate aftermath of World War II as NATO and the CIA sought to prepare for potential Soviet aggression in Western Europe.
**1960s-1970s**: Gladio networks were implicated in several acts of political violence and terrorism. These included false flag operations designed to discredit left-wing groups and create a climate of fear conducive to right-wing political agendas.
**1990**: The existence of Operation Gladio was publicly revealed by Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, leading to parliamentary inquiries and widespread controversy. This disclosure brought to light the extent of NATO's clandestine activities and the involvement of former Nazis.
Ukraine Involvement
While there is no direct evidence that Operation Gladio specifically extended its activities to Ukraine, it is known that Reinhard Gehlen's intelligence organization (more on that to come), which had significant overlap with Gladio operatives, maintained extensive networks in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. Gehlen's pre-war and wartime experience on the Eastern Front made his organization a valuable resource for Western intelligence agencies operating in Soviet-controlled regions.
Conclusion
Operation Gladio remains a deeply controversial chapter in Cold War history, marked by its clandestine nature, the involvement of former Nazis, and the use of covert operations to influence political outcomes in Western Europe. The operation's legacy continues to be a subject of debate and investigation, highlighting the complex and often morally ambiguous strategies employed during the Cold War.