Introduction

Discover the scandalous tale of the John Vassal affair, involving espionage, a honey trap, and tabloid sensationalism, with insights from MI5 files and individuals close to Vassal. Despite facing adversity, Vassal's story brings to light the complexities of a forgotten spy case.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

Alex Grant’s new book Sex, Spies and Scandal The John Vassall Affair has everything: a honey trap, industrial-scale espionage, journalists jailed for not revealing their sources and the first modern tabloid witch-hunt, which resulted in a ministerial resignation and almost brought down Harold Macmillan’s government.

With access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with people who knew Vassall from the 1950s until he died in 1996, this book sheds new light on a neglected spy scandal. Despite having been drugged and sexually assaulted by the KGB in Moscow, as a gay man John Vassall was shown no mercy by the British press or the courts.

Sentenced to eighteen years in jail, he served ten years, despite telling MI5 everything. Once released, he found that many of his old friends and lovers had been persecuted or dismissed from the civil service in Britain, America and Australia.

Unlike the Cambridge Five, who courted attention, after leaving prison Vassall changed his name to avoid the media and lived quietly in London.

Buy the book and support the podcast here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781785907883

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode336/

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I

f a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

00:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations and the John Vassal Affair

00:36 Unveiling the John Vassal Spy Scandal

05:49 The Life and Times of John Vassal

16:15 Vassal's Recruitment by Soviet Intelligence

37:08 Vassal's Espionage Activities in London