The Spy Who - The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Lost Control | 4

Episode Date: October 8, 2024

MI5 is closing in on Klaus Fuchs. But they can't seem to catch him in the act of spying. There’s only one option. They need a confession.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wondery Plus subscribers can binge full seasons of The Spy Who early and ad-free on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. August 1949. The Semipalatinsk test site, Kazakhstan, the Soviet Union. A Soviet army truck thunders across an expanse of flat grasslands as it rushes Igor Kurchatov towards ground zero. Kurchatov is Russia's Oppenheimer, and he's just detonated the Soviet Union's first atomic bomb. And in his eagerness to see the bombsite,

he's ignoring every radiation safety procedure he has put in place. The truck screeches to a halt next to the scorched soil and huge crater. There is nothing left of the buildings that were around the bombsite. Geiger counter next to Kurchatov crackles loudly, warning of sky-high radiation levels. OK, enough. We can go. Kurchatov leans back against the seat, feeling the tension of the last four years begin to ebb.

After Germany's defeat, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin finally gave him enough resources to make a bomb based on the blueprints that Klaus Fuchs smuggled out of Los Alamos. Yet even with the blueprints, so much could have gone wrong. This successful Soviet bomb test means both he and his entire team have escaped Stalin's wrath. Two weeks later, number 10, Downing Street. The head of Britain's nuclear programme, Michael Perrin,

sweats in his suit as he faces Prime Minister Clement Attlee. Prime Minister, we've detected a radioactive cloud that's drifting over the Atlantic. The only possible explanation is that the Soviets have tested an atomic bomb. Are you telling me the Soviets have already built and tested one? How is that even possible?

The security service has information suggesting there was a mole in the Manhattan Project. And the fallout pattern of this test is very similar to that of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. Atlee leans back in his chair, his moustache bristling with foreboding. Was the mole one of ours, or one of theirs? Perrin looks down at his hands. Atlee closes his eyes briefly with dismay. Let me get this straight, Perrin.

Not only have we been leapfrogged by the USSR in atomic weaponry, but one of our own bloody scientists may have helped them do it. Uh, yes, Prime Minister. Who was it and where is he now? We believe the culprit is Dr Klaus Fuchs, and, uh, he's currently working on our atomic bomb project.

Aptly frowns. Before he can speak, Perrin rushes to reassure him. The security service is on the case. If he is the culprit, we'll catch him. From Wondery, I'm Indra Varma, and this is The Spy Who. In the last episode, Klaus Fuchs left Los alamos and returned to the uk to work on britain's atomic bomb project the canadians discovered a soviet spy ring attempting to steal atomic secrets and the us decoded a soviet message suggesting that fuchs is a spy for the ussr now mi5 has put Fuchs under surveillance

in the hope of catching him in the act of espionage so they can bring him to justice. You're listening to The Spy Who Started the Cold War. Episode 4, Lost Control. September 1949. The Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Oxfordshire. In a van parked in a nearby lay-by, two MI5 officers wearing headphones are monitoring the listening device planted in Fuchs' house.

They lean forward with interest on hearing a knock on Fuchs' door. Klaus, have you seen this? The MI5 operatives relax. It's Henry Arnold, the head of security at Harwell. He's been briefed on MI5's operation, and his role is to keep an eye on Fuchs inside the compound and report back. The newspapers are saying Stalin's got the bomb. I don't know what to make of it, do you? Well, I would need to know the details. If it's true, it changes the balance of world power,

though, doesn't it? It means the USSR is a superpower. What do you think about that? The MI5 officers look at each other in alarm. What on earth is Arnold doing? He's supposed to watch and listen, not entrap. I think the newspapers will ask if we are making atomic weapons here. Yes, quite. Mind you, I guess it might not be an atomic bomb, but maybe some kind of nuclear accident. Their precision may not be as good as ours, eh? One of the MI5 officers reaches for the radio to contact headquarters. Arnold's gone rogue, and his clumsy questioning could alert Fuchs to their surveillance operation.

Until we know the details, I'm afraid I must refrain from any speculation. Now, I'm sorry, Henry, but I have a lot of work to do today. Oh, yes, yes, of course. The MI5 officer takes his hand off the radio and relaxes. He just hopes that Arnold's questions haven't made Fuchs aware that he's under suspicion. A few weeks later, London. An MI5 surveillance crew are following Fuchs in his MG sports car. As usual, there are three of them.

One to drive, one to read the map, and one on the radio. The map reader scowls as Fuchs hovers at a T-junction, letting traffic pass, even though he could easily pull out in time. He shouldn't be allowed a car like that. Why do you say that? He's a nervous driver. Keeps trying to pull out, but then bottles it. The driver notices Fuchs' glance in their direction as he finally makes the turn.

How did you ever get through training? Maybe he's checking for tails. So you think he's up to something today, then? Well, it's an ideal opportunity, isn't it? He's visiting London for a conference. Why not drop in on your Soviet contacts at the same time? They follow Fuchs as he turns a corner, and then another one. The map reader studies the streets and smiles.

He's heading to St Petersburg Place. The excitement rises in the car. A lot of Russians live in this part of London. They watch Fuchs-Parkers MG get out and knock on the door of a house. The surveillance team drive past slowly to see who opens the door. But when the door swings open, their excitement evaporates. The woman at the door is Erna Skinner. The map reader shakes his head. God damn it. Three weeks of following him around and all we've learned is that he and his boss's wife are at it like rabbits.

A few days later, Hartwell. Fuchs walks towards Arnold's office with a letter in his hand. He's noticed MI5 have been following him and he's mystified as to why. He stopped spying months ago. The only reason he can think of is that his 73-year-old father has been offered a university job in Soviet-controlled East Germany. So he's decided to test his theory on Arnold. Klaus, come in. Thank you, Henry. I wanted to ask your advice about my father and a job he's been offered in East Germany. After explaining the situation in more detail, Fuchs gets to the point. My father has written to say

he intends to take the job. Do you think this will be a problem for my position here at Harwell? Arnold leans back, tapping his fingers together thoughtfully. Rather a rum business, isn't it? What do you mean? Well, isn't your father a bit old

for a job like that? Do you think it could be a Soviet plot to gain influence over you? The same thought has already occurred to Fuchs. Having cut off contact with the Soviets, he worries they will try to control him through threats to his father. However, he also thinks Arnold has jumped to this conclusion a little too quickly. I doubt I could be induced to cooperate in that way. Harwell has become very important to me. Difficult situation. I don't know the answer, I'm afraid. It would be for the higher-ups to decide. I see. Can I rely on your discretion in this matter for the time

being? Of course. I will keep it in the strictest confidence. A month later, London. Inside MI5's headquarters, the head of Britain's atomic program, Michael Perrin, is sitting in on a case conference. He listens as Jim Scardin, the MI5 officer overseeing the surveillance of Fuchs, delivers his latest updates. The surveillance operation on Fuchs has netted us nothing. However, Henry Arnold has passed on an interesting conversation he's had with Fuchs about his father. Perrin feels his mind drifting. He's frustrated at the failure to catch Fuchs in the act of spying. Because as long as he's still at large, the US won't share its atomic research with Britain.

MI5's failure to bring Fuchs to justice is now undermining American trust in him and the UK. His attention is won back by Skarden's concluding sentence. I'm of the opinion we tell Fuchs he'll be fired if his father takes the job. Perrin interrupts. I don't think that's a good idea. Perrin is the only person in the room who knows that Fuchs is not just working on atomic energy, but on Britain's atomic bomb. Surely that could prompt him to defect.

If Fuchs defects, he will be taking inside knowledge of Britain's atomic bomb with him. That knowledge might help the Soviets sabotage the project or further enhance their understanding of nuclear weapons. They would also gain one of the world's foremost atomic scientists. But Perrin can't say that. The UK's atom bomb project is so secret, even MI5 aren't allowed to know it exists. To his relief, MI5's Deputy Director General Guy Liddell nods in agreement.

Yes, defection is a risk. But I don't see any point continuing the surveillance operation. Jim, I think perhaps it's up to you. Use his father's job as a pretext for speaking to him. You have to get him to confess. The conference ends and Perrin follows the others out of the room he just hopes garden is as good an interrogator as they all say he is he doesn't want to think about what happens if fuchs doesn't confess and they are still unable to arrest him December 1949.

Henry Arnold's office, Harwell. MI5 counter-espionage officer Jim Skarden lights his pipe and considers the man who has dominated his thoughts for the past few weeks. Klaus Fuchs sits opposite him. His legs are crossed and he is flicking a speck of dust off his trousers as he waits calmly for Skarden to begin. Dr. Fuchs, as you know, we feel your father's presence in the Soviet zone of Germany could be a security risk, given the classified nature of your research. I just need to ask you some questions so we can make a fair assessment. I understand. Skarden begins by asking Fuchs to tell him about his family and early years in Germany.

When I moved to Berlin, I was asked to take part in a conference organized by a well-known communist, Henri Barbus. We were protesting against the Nazis. Fuchs pauses briefly as if waiting for Skarden's reaction. But Skarden has no intention of revealing this. He merely nods to get Fuchs to continue. Then I sought asylum in Great Britain as the Nazi persecution intensified. I was very grateful to be taken in

and given citizenship. Tell me, what does your oath of allegiance to this country mean to you? I take it very seriously. But should circumstances arise here comparable to those in Germany in 1933, then I would act on the loyalty I owe to humanity. Skarden raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Instead, he encourages Fuchs to talk through his career and his time in New York. I did visit my sister Crystal for Christmas. Other than that, I had very little time for social activities. My work occupied me full time. This is the moment Skarden has been waiting for. While you were in New York, I alleged that you were in touch with a Soviet official or representative,

and you passed on to that person information about your work. Fuchs's mouth gapes slightly and his eyes widen in shock. He takes off his glasses and polishes them for a few seconds. But when he puts them back on, Fuchs has a relaxed smile. I don't think so. That's rather ambiguous. Did you or didn't you? I don't understand. I strongly deny I have done such a thing. I did everything I could to help win the war. Perhaps you'll tell me what the evidence is. Skarden cannot do that. The only evidence of Fuchs' spying comes from the ultra-secret Venona code-breaking program. And it's paramount that Venona's existence remains secret.

Skarden changes tack, trying to regain the upper hand. Can I ask why your name and that of your sister Crystal appeared in the diary of a man named Israel Halperin? He has recently been accused of being part of a Soviet spy ring in Canada. I think he is a professor, isn't he? My sister asked him to send me scientific journals while I was in the internment camp. I never met him.

Is this typical of your evidence? Where has it come from? Skarden knows he has played all his cards. He tries one last strategy. I cannot break faith with my sources, just as I would not break faith with you. But were you to make a clean breast of the matter, you can trust me to present your actions in a favourable light. It could help you retain your position here at Harwell. Although Fuchs does not respond, Skarden sees the first flicker of emotion in his eyes. Fuchs turns to look out of the window at the drab, prefabricated houses outside. Skarden suspects Fuchs is wrestling with something internally.

He decides to end the questioning to give Fuchs time to consider his position. A few days later, Harwell. Fuchs is unconcerned as he steps into Arnold's office for his second meeting with MI5. The last interview gave him a nasty scare, but he held his nerve and his hunch was right. Skarden was on a fishing expedition. MI5 has no real evidence. If it did, he'd be in prison already.

The moment Fook sits, Skarden starts the questioning. I wanted to ask you some more questions about your sister Crystal. How did she know Halperin? They don't appear to have any mutual friends. Fuchs's confidence wavers slightly. His conscience still troubles him about involving his sister in espionage. I have no idea. Your sister's husband was a communist.

Perhaps through him? Perhaps. Klaus, we know there was a leak of information. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of it. Perhaps you were careless with documents when you visited your sister. Crystal is in a psychiatric hospital following the breakdown of her marriage. Fuchs worries about her state of mind. He must try and stop the FBI interrogating her, if possible.

I did sometimes take documents home, but never to Crystal's house. I did not see much of her husband when I visited. Skarden leans forward with a supportive look on his face. Klaus, if it wasn't you, then it's my job to try and clear your name. And if it was you, then we can easily clear up such a minor wartime act involving one of our wartime allies. I know you would prefer to stay at Harwell, but I'm afraid these suspicions do put that in jeopardy. Fuchs licks his dry lips and coughs. He suddenly feels very tired

and has a stupidly overwhelming desire to confess this one small act. Perhaps that will make it all go away. He battles to regain his iron control, but it seems to have wavered, along with some of his youthful idealism about the Soviet Union. He takes a sip of water, then looks Skarden right in the eyes. I'm afraid I cannot help you. Very well. Skarden heaves himself out of his chair, signaling the end of the interview.

Fuchs doesn't know if he's relieved or sorry. Two weeks later, Scarden has driven from London to Harwell for the third time, and he's irked. He's been doing this job long enough to know he will get nothing out of Fuchs. In fact, at times, he thinks Fuchs might even be innocent. But Deputy Director General Guy Liddell insisted he try again. Fuchs is already waiting when he plonks his briefcase on Arnold's desk.

Sorry to be back again so soon. I just need your address in New York. I stayed at the Barbizon. No, I mean the apartment you had after your hotel stay. Oh, I might need a map. Scarden takes a large map of Manhattan out of his briefcase and lays it on the table. Fuchs obligingly stands and leans over it,

tracing the streets with his long, thin forefinger. I lived on West 77th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, about here. I probably have the number written down somewhere. Shall I pass it on to Mr. Arnold? That would be helpful. You see, we have information that a representative of the Soviets called at your apartment after you left for Los Alamos. We'd like the FBI to make inquiries. It is Skarden's final feeble roll of the dice. And as he expects, Fuchs displays only helpful interest.

I'm happy to help, but I think it extremely unlikely that such a visit took place. Well, we have to chase down every lead, as I'm sure you understand. After some more unprofitable questioning, Skarden gets up to leave, followed by Fuchs. He turns casually. What about your present situation here at Harwell? Scarden sees that brief flicker of emotion again, but it vanishes just as quickly. I've been told I must resign. Oh, I'm sorry about that.

What will you do now? I think I will take some leave. After that, I shall look for a university position somewhere. I don't think it will be difficult to find. Skarden holds out his hand to Fuchs in a final farewell. The surveillance teams are standing down. MI5 is about to divert its resources elsewhere. Well, good luck. Fuchs shakes his hand, and Skarden notes there's no hint of sweating palms.

If the man is guilty, he's the coolest customer he's ever met. And he's got away with it. January 1950, the Palm Court Hotel, London. Ernest Skinner looks at Fuchs with concern. She was surprised he agreed to her suggestion of a few days away together while her husband Herbert is in Liverpool. Now they are in bed together having breakfast on silver trays. But Fuchs is picking at his food.

He seems lost in his thoughts. She leans over and strokes his smooth, high forehead. Klaus, darling, what's wrong? Fuchs looks at her, and she's taken aback by the desperate longing on his face. I may have to leave Harwell. Ernest sits up in shock, spilling the tea on her tray. What? Why? Is this to do with that man who came to talk to you?

Yes. My father has taken a job in East Germany. It makes me a security risk. Erna is dabbing at the tea stain on her exotic kimono with a napkin, but narrows her eyes at this. That is utterly ridiculous. How dare they make you leave for such a flimsy reason? I know a lawyer in London. I'll call him now. No, don't. Please.

Erna stops. Something in his voice fills her with foreboding. It's more than that. MI5 suspects I shared my work for the Americans in New York more widely than I should have. How widely? Fuchs swallows painfully as he raises his eyes to hers. With the Russians. Well, that's obviously not true. Where on earth did they come up with such a ridiculous suggestion? Don't worry, we will all rally behind you Herbert knows quite a few people in the government Fuchs doesn't respond

He just continues staring at her His eyes haunted and large in his thin, sensitive face Staring Until finally she realises that it must be true. No, you wouldn't. What does this mean? You're a spy? Not anymore.

The Soviets were our allies at the time, and I was a communist who believed it was the answer to world peace. But those days are gone now. Erna feels as if she is falling backwards through space. Oh my God! Klaus! What have you done? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt those I love. Despite her distress, Erna feels a small thrill at those words. But Fuchs is looking into the distance and seems to be talking to himself.

They don't have any real evidence, or they would have revealed it by now. But my father always said, if you feel something is right, then you should do it. No matter the personal consequences. He gets out of the bed and stands. I think, perhaps in this case, the right thing is to confess. Erna bounces up off the bed in horror. No, you mustn't. Klaus, they will throw you in prison or worse. Oh, I couldn't bear it.

It's not that serious. The man who questioned me said if I confessed, he would be able to convince the government to let me stay at Harwell. And they need me. I am the leading theoretical physicist on nuclear science in this country. Erna has seen people marched off the Harwell

base for having communist links. Their career in nuclear science finished. She senses a trap. She leans forward to grasp his arm. Klaus, you need to think this through. If they don't have any evidence, then don't admit anything. We can all leave Harwell together. You could join Herbert at Liverpool University. We can carry on as we are. Fuchs gives her a distracted smile, but the determined look on his face doesn't shift. Her stomach swirls with dread. Two days later, MI5 headquarters, London.

At his desk, Jim Scarden answers the phone. Scarden speaking. On the other end, he recognises the voice of Henry Arnold, Harwell's head of security. Fuchs has asked to see you again. Why? I don't know. But I just had lunch with him and I get the sense he wants to talk a lot.

You better get down here. January 1950. The Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell. MI5 counter-espionage officer Jim Scarden heads towards the home of Klaus Fuchs. Yesterday, Harwell's head of security, Henry Arnold, called him to say Fuchs wants to talk. Scarden just hopes this won't be a wasted trip. As he waits for Fuchs to open the door, Skarden looks across the rows of identical prefab houses in the barbed wire fence that surrounds them. He can't understand why Fuchs seems so attached to it. He finds it a depressing place. Fuchs opens the door and Skarden is shocked by how haggard he

looks. You asked to see me and here I am. Yes, it's rather up to me now. Fuchs stands aside to let Skarden enter. In the sparsely furnished living room, Fuchs stokes the small fire which provides the only warmth for the house. The two men sit in armchairs on either side of it. Skarden puffs on his pipe and waits as Fuchs stares into the dancing flames. Eventually, Fuchs takes a deep breath and turns to meet Skarden's eyes. What is it you want to know? When did it start and how long has it been going on? It started in 1941 and I had my last meeting

last year. Skarden is so surprised his pipe almost falls out of his mouth. The Venona messages indicated just one or two meetings in New York. He recovers quickly. Tell me,

just to give me a better picture, what was the most important information you passed over? Perhaps the most important thing was the full design of the atom bomb. This time, Skarden's pipe does fall,

scattering hot ash all over his lap. MI5 had no idea of this. He nearly swears aloud as he realises they removed the listening devices in Fuchs' house last week. He hasn't brought a tape recorder either. I see. You had better tell me everything. He can see that now Fuchs has let go of his iron control. He needs to unburden himself of everything. Fuchs talks for hours. At one point, Skarden asks for details of what he gave the Russians while working at Harwell. Fuchs calmly shakes his head. I'm afraid I can't tell

you that. Why not? You don't have the necessary security clearance. Skarden's mind boggles, but he doesn't want to staunch the flow. Outside, the winter night closes in, and the fire reduces to a dull glow of embers. Finally, Fuchs's revelations are exhausted, but his face has regained its colour. It will be a relief to get this sorted and continue my work at Harwell. I've decided Britain is the only place I can live. Skarden doesn't correct him. MI5 has no formal powers of arrest.

He needs Fuchs to retell his story again on tape and sign an official confession. And he doesn't want Fuchs running before then. You didn't always feel this way. No. I used to think I would live in the Soviet part of Germany. But my beliefs have changed. I still believe in communism of a kind, but not in the way it is practiced in the Soviet Union. Fuchs appears to believe he can confess to nearly nine years of espionage, including passing on the biggest secret in the world, with few consequences. Skarden realizes that despite his brilliance as a spy, Fuchs really is nothing more than an unworldly scientist.

February 1950, London. Michael Perrin, head of Britain's atomic energy programme, stands in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and watches him read through Fuchs's written confession. Next to him is an impatient Skarden. The government lawyer finally finishes and looks up from his seat. Bloody dynamite! Well done! But Skarden has other things pressing on his mind. Yes, but will it stand up in court?

I need to know if I overstepped the mark by leading him to believe I was offering immunity from prosecution if he cooperated. Hmm. It's definitely problematic. We'll have to be prepared to face questions from a good defence lawyer. But, on balance, I think we'll be all right. You can go ahead and have him arrested. Skarden smiles with relief. Perrin too is relieved, but he's starting to wonder if it's not all being done in the wrong order. They failed to catch Fuchs when he was spying. Now they're going to arrest him when he has clearly stopped being a risk.

Fuchs is a linchpin of Britain's project to build an atomic bomb, and Perrin has no idea how they will replace him. Without him, the UK's effort to become a nuclear power could be seriously delayed. But Skarden is oblivious to this problem. He turns to Perrin eagerly. Mr Perrin, I think Scotland Yard will need to arrest Fuchs in your office. Perrin is horrified, as if this situation couldn't get any worse. They're now forcing him to witness the execution.

I really don't think that's appropriate. It's the only way. He has to think it's a routine meeting or he might still flee. If you must. The next day, the Strand, London. Fuchs walks along the rainy streets to Shelmeck's house. Perrin didn't tell him the purpose of the meeting, but was insistent he attend in person.

He reflects on how much lighter and happier he feels. He hadn't realised the weight of all those secrets until they were gone. Even the rain seems glorious now. He enters the Whitestone Art Deco building and waits for the lift. He glances at his watch and wonders if he'll be able to make the four o'clock train home. He would like to see Erna tonight. On reaching the fourth floor, a guard ushers him through the security gates of the cage that surrounds the offices of the Atomic Energy Programme.

He notices Perrin hurriedly disappearing into his office. His secretary looks flushed when he gives his name. Oh, I'm afraid Mr Perrin has been delayed in another meeting. Do you mind waiting? Fuchs thinks it a little odd Perrin is in a meeting when he just saw him rush into his office. But rather than question it, he sits calmly in the waiting room with his briefcase on his knees. Perrin's secretary picks up a phone with a blinking light on it before leaning over the counter in front of her. You may go in now, Dr. Fuchs. Fuchs opens the polished oak door to Perrin's office and is surprised to see a tall, thick-set stranger waiting on the other side.

Perrin is nowhere to be seen. The stranger approaches. Klaus-Emil Fuchs, I am Commander Burt of Special Branch. I'm arresting you for communicating information in violation of the Official Secrets Act. You do not have to say anything unless you wish to do so, but anything you do say will be taken down and may be given in evidence. Fuchs feels weak at the knees and lightheaded. He sinks into a nearby chair. How can this be? Skarden has betrayed him. Perrin too. Do you understand, Dr. Fuchs? May I speak to Mr. Perrin? The policeman nods.

He moves to a side door and pokes his head through it. Dr. Fuchs would like you to come in and see him. A moment later, Perrin appears through the side door looking deeply uncomfortable. Yes? What is it? Michael, do you realise what this means? That we'll be deprived of your services at Harwell. More than that. Harwell will not be able to go on.

He sees the anger flare in Perrin's eyes. We will manage. His world crashing around him. Fuchs follows Commander Burt out of the room. February 1950, Brixton Prison, London. The day before Fuchs's trial. In the prison visiting room, Rudolf and Zhenya Peels wait as Fuchs is led in by a guard. Fuchs sits down in front of them.

Zhenya notices his unshaven chin and rumpled clothes. Thank you both for visiting me. Pils runs his hand through his thick straight hair. I could not believe it when I heard it. I never suspected a thing. Klaus, why? I thought you were my friend. I was and am your friend.

Truly, Zhenya interrupts. Where her husband is shocked and upset, she is unmistakably furious. We took you into our home. We treated you like family, and you have brought suspicion on all of us. All of us thought it was wrong that America was developing the bomb without bringing the Soviets into it. I merely acted on those thoughts. This is not some scientific experiment, Klaus.

You did this to us. Your friends. Rudolf vouched for you, so now he's tainted too. I want to know why you thought that was acceptable. Zhenya has some satisfaction in seeing Fuchs wince slightly. He takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. He puts them back and gives Zhenya an almost pleading look. The only way I can explain it is that it was controlled schizophrenia.

I compartmentalised my mind. The espionage was in one compartment and it was completely separate. It never touched the other compartment. I swear, my friendship was true. That's nothing more than your excuse to absolve your behavior. You have damaged this country, your colleagues, and us, Klaus. How can we ever forgive you? Fuchs recoils as if she has slapped his face and then lowers his eyes as stormy, heartbroken tears well up in hers. On the 1st of March 1950, Klaus Fuchs pleaded guilty to breaking the Official Secrets Act and was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the maximum for espionage.

He only escaped the more serious charge of treason and a potential death sentence because the Soviet Union was an ally at the time of his spying. During his time in prison, a scientist from Britain's nuclear weapons program visited Fuchs on several occasions. It is thought that Fuchs provided scientific advice at those meetings, but all records of those meetings were destroyed. Fuchs was released from prison in 1959 and emigrated to East Germany where he resumed his career in science. When Fuchs was released from prison, Rudolf Peels wrote offering to help Fuchs get back on his feet,

but Fuchs never responded. He never had contact with the Peels or his lover, Ernest Skinner, again. He died in January 1988. Without Fuchs, it took Britain until 1952 to build its own atomic bomb and become the world's third nuclear power. In giving the USSR the bomb, Fuchs is credited with plunging the world into the nuclear standoff of the Cold War. Join us in the next episode where we explore Fuchs's motives and ask why scientists become

spies. What is it about great minds that find espionage so alluring? can binge full seasons of The Spy Who early and ad-free on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. From Wondery, this is the fourth episode in our series, The Spy Who Started the Cold War. A quick note about our dialogue. We can't know everything that was said or done behind closed doors, particularly far back in history, but our scenes are written using the best available sources. So even if a scene or conversation has been recreated for dramatic effect,

it's still based on biographical research. We've used various sources to make this series, including Trinity by Frank Close, The Spy Who Changed the World by Mike Rossiter, and Atomic Spy by Nancy Thorndike Greenspan. The Spy Who is hosted by me, Indra Varma. Our show is produced by Vespucci, with writing and story editing by Yellow Ant for Wondery. For Yellow Ant, this episode was written by Judy Cooper and researched by Louise Byrne. Our managing producer is Jay Priest.

For Vespucci, our senior producers are Natalia Rodriguez and Philippa Gearing. Our sound designer is Ivor Manley. Rachel Byrne is the supervising producer. Music supervisor is Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive producers for Vespucci are Johnny Galvin and Daniel Turkin. Executive producer for Yellow Ant is Tristan Donovan. Our managing producer for Wondery is Rachel Sibley. Executive producers for Wondery are Estelle Doyle,

Chris Bourne, Morgan Jones and Marshall Louis. Wondery. Chris Bourne, Morgan Jones and Marshall Louis.