Portland Spy Ring Part 2 (139)

Sep 11, 2020

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This is the 2nd episode with Trevor Barnes, the author of “Dead Doubles, a new book on the Portland Spy Ring, one of the most infamous espionage cases of the Cold War.

The story continues with the dramatic arrest of three of the KGB spies outside the Old Vic theatre in London and the discovery of the amazing espionage career of the Krogers, the innocent-looking couple in suburbia…

We also talk about the revelation that the Portland spy ring was larger than thought and that at least two members escaped capture.

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I am delighted to welcome Trevor Barnes to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode139/

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0:00 Introduction and arrest of Gordon Lonsdale

2:26 Interview begins with Trevor Barnes: Background on the arrest of Lonsdale, Houghton, and Gee

15:13 The arrest of Gordon Lonsdale, Houghton, and Gee: Discussion on the Krogers' arrest and espionage equipment

33:29 Discovery of further espionage equipment: The Krogers' false identities and their histories as spies

38:02 Court case: Attempts to turn Lonsdale and identifying his real name

46:43 Negotiations with Lonsdale and the Krogers: The deal offered to Lonsdale

54:50 Establishing Lonsdale's real identity: Unveiling the true identity of Konon Molody

1:02:27 Discussions on Molody becoming a double agent for the British: The futile negotiations with Molody

1:04:31 Spy swap: Molody's journey to freedom and the spy exchange at the Glienicke Bridge

1:12:22 Details on the wider ring of spies controlled by Lonsdale: Successful penetration of the Porton Down research centre

1:23:03 Acknowledgement of financial supporters

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