Dead Drop: February 28

THERE ARE NO SECRETS AMONG ALLIES: The British government has confirmed that it is developing a new nuclear warhead for its ballistic missile submarines. But we imagine they are not exactly happy about having to make the announcement. It was all a secret until Admiral Charles Richard, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command and Alan Shaffer, the Pentagon’s deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment made public statements about the U.S.’ desire to pursue its own updated warhead and mentioned the British effort. “It’s wonderful that the U.K. is working on a new warhead at the same time…” Shaffer told an audience according to Defense News. The only problem is that the Brits had not yet informed Parliament of their plans. Under their system, notifying Parliament is just a courtesy.  But as they say, there is no such thing as a good surprise – especially when it comes to nuclear weapons.

ROYAL HOAX:  Speaking of the U.K., Queen Elizabeth reportedly paid a secret visit to MI5 on Wednesday to thank the agency for “the tireless work you do to keep our country safe.” The Royal Family twitter account posted her speech.  MI-5 Director General Sir Andrew Parker briefed Her Majesty on how her late father, King George VI, helped pass fake intelligence to dupe the Germans during WWII. In order to convince the Nazis that D-Day landings would happen in Calais or perhaps even Norway, the King made a series of “royal visits” to military installations and support facilities which would cause the Germans to think the invasion would happen somewhere other than Normandy.