World: Under the Table

To loyal readers of British spy fiction, it seems almost incredible that the cold-eyed watchdogs of counterintelligence in Whitehall could let H.M.G.'s closest secrets slip into the hands of the enemy. Yet Atom Scientist Klaus Fuchs got away with it, and so did Donald Maclean and Guy Burgess of the Foreign Office, not to mention the more recent indiscretions of Admiralty Clerk, William Vassall.

Each case has brought another examination of security procedures, and two trials last week at the Old Bailey were no exception. In one, Aviation Ministry Engineer Frank Bossard, 52, was sentenced...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!