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Almost starting from scratch, Britain built up a
considerable Signals Intelligence effort during World War I.
A number of radio intercept stations were created, and a body of
experienced cryptanalysts, linguists and radio traffic analysts
enjoyed considerable success in breaking coded messages sent by
the enemy.
Perhaps the most famous intelligence coup was Britain's intercept
of a telegram sent by the German Foreign Minister Zimmermann in
early 1917. The telegram stated that Germany was to undertake unrestricted
submarine warfare against the USA and indicated that Mexico would
be rewarded with the territories of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas
if it joined the conflict!
It was one of the deciding factors in the USA joining the War on
the side of the Allies.
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