Des Ball: a rare influence on thinking about secrets and war

By Daniel Flitton
Updated October 14 2016 - 1:28pm, first published October 13 2016 - 5:18pm
Professor Desmond Ball, in his office at the Australian National University in 2013. Photo: Rohan Thomson
Professor Desmond Ball, in his office at the Australian National University in 2013. Photo: Rohan Thomson
The Joint Facility at Pine Gap - the spy station at the centre of fascination and consternation in the Australia-United States alliance. Photo: Kristian Laemmle-Ruff
The Joint Facility at Pine Gap - the spy station at the centre of fascination and consternation in the Australia-United States alliance. Photo: Kristian Laemmle-Ruff
Des Ball at the entrance to Pine Gap in 1984.
 Photo: Supplied
Des Ball at the entrance to Pine Gap in 1984. Photo: Supplied
In Waley, Thai-Burma border, 2010. Photo: Supplied
In Waley, Thai-Burma border, 2010. Photo: Supplied
With former US President Jimmy Carter, in Atlanta, Georgia, 1985 Photo: Supplied
With former US President Jimmy Carter, in Atlanta, Georgia, 1985 Photo: Supplied

Spy agencies once classified Des Ball as a "person of interest", but he was far, far more interested in understanding their shadowy secrets.

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