The Spy Who Became Stalin's Greatest | A Bomb In The Pram | 1

0:00Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of The Spy Who ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.

0:16August 1934, Shenyang, Manchuria, China. Ursula Kuczynski checks her three-year-old son, Misha, is asleep in his bed. Her heart swells at the sight of his tousled hair and innocent face. But she has work to do. She leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Shouldering a rucksack, she picks up two long bamboo poles and climbs the ladder into the attic. Pushing the stiff roof hatch open, she pulls herself out onto the roof. Outside, the night is peaceful, except for a noisy dinner party next door, where a Nazi arms dealer lives. Ursula is a German Jew and a Soviet spy. If her neighbour spots her, she will likely be denounced to the Japanese forces that now occupy Manchuria.

1:14Working by moonlight, she feels inside her rucksack for the radio antenna wire and then threads it through one of the bamboo poles to form a homemade aerial that won't look out of place on her roof. Then, she ties it to the chimney with rope. First aerial secured, she shuffles over the apex of the roof to prepare the second aerial so she can send as well as receive messages Beneath the laughter from next door, she notices another sound A truck moving slowly down the street Ursula whips her head around to check The world tilts, she feels she will fall She grasps onto the chimney. Sweat breaks out across her body.

2:03She scolds herself. Scaredy cat. Coward. The truck passes, but she cannot tell if it's a Japanese radio detector truck. The Japanese occupied Manchuria three years ago, but they know Moscow is aiding local communist insurgents, so they patrol the streets hunting for illegal radio transmissions. The dinner party quietens and Ursula's heartbeat steadies. She resumes her slow shuffle across the roof. Mommy! Mommy! But then she hears Misha. Terror grips her. Is someone inside the house? Adrenaline washes away her fear. She races across the roof, drops through the hatch, and slides down the ladder.

2:55Rushing into Misha's bedroom, she switches on the light. Oh, darling, what's wrong? Misha is in bed alone, holding out a limp arm, tears streaming down his face. My arm is fizzy. It hurts. Ursula's relief is followed by a terrible need to giggle. This is why spies don't bring children on their missions. Oh, sweetheart, it's just pins and needles. We'll rub it and it will go away, I promise.

3:34She massages his arm gently while singing. His sobs subside, his eyelids droop and he falls asleep again. Ursula gently pulls the sheet up and switches off the light. Then she heads back up to the roof to finish setting up her radio aerials. Moscow is waiting for her to establish contact so that her mission to help China's communists fight Japan can begin.

4:08With the Spark Cash Plus card from Capital One, you earn unlimited 2 % cash back on every purchase. And you get big purchasing power, so your business can spend more and earn more. Stephen, Brandon, and Bruno, the business owners of SandCloud, reinvested their 2 % cash back to help build the company's retail presence. Capital One. What's in your wallet? Find out more at CapitalOne.com slash SparkCashPlus. Terms apply. Does it bother you that the world is on fire? Do you also often find yourself choking on your own rage? maybe you too perpetually feel like screaming bloody freaking murder into your own pillow.

4:47Well, hop in, rabble-rouser. We're going hunting for a manifesto. Listen to Dan Taberski's manifesto wherever you get your podcasts.

5:00I'm Amelia Fox, and this is The Spy Who, an audible original. Beneath the veneer of the everyday lurks the realm of the spy. It's a dank, murky world full of dark corners, sinister motives, and corrupted morals. A place of paranoia and infiltration, sabotage and manipulation. In this series, we tell the story of one of the Soviet Union's greatest spies, Ursula Kaczynski, also known as Agent Sonia. During her long undercover career, she fooled everyone from the Chinese and Japanese to the Nazis and MI5. She organized sabotage and assassination plots, stole atomic secrets and compromised US intelligence.

5:51And all while appearing to be a devoted mother who baked very good scones. What you're about to hear are dramatized reconstructions of events based on the information that's been made public. But remember, in the shadow realm of the spy, the full story is rarely clear. This is Episode 1, A Bomb in the Pram.

6:20Ten years before Manchuria, May 1924, Berlin. In a large house in an affluent suburb, a teenage Ursula Kaczynski tries to sneak in through the front door unnoticed. Ursula, is that you? Ursula curses under her breath. Reluctantly, she heads to the living room where her parents and the family nanny, Olga Moot, are waiting. When she appears in the doorway, her mother is horrified. Good heavens, where have you been? What happened to you? Ursula's clothes are torn and dirty. A crumpled red carnation is pinned to her dress and her knees are red and raw. I went on the May Day march. Her parents are shocked.

7:12In the economic chaos that's followed Germany's defeat in World War I, political tensions are high. The Weimar government has banned the traditional workers' rally, citing fears of violence. You could have been arrested. What were you thinking, roaming around with drunken teenagers? We weren't drunk. We stood up to fascist brown shirts and the police who beat us. The family's nanny, Olga, rushes over to Ursula, who shows her the angry welt across her lower back. They beat you? Oh, fairytale whirl, such a bruise. But Ursula's mother is unmoved. We? Who is we? The young communists. I'm a member now.

7:59Good grief! The girl is out of control. What kind of a mother are you, to be more worried about what people think than your daughter's health? Ursula smiles at Olga, who always defends her against her mother's disapproval. Before the nanny and mother descend into a familiar argument, Ursula's father intervenes. Ursula, you're 17, too young to commit yourself politically. Return the membership card and delay your decision a few years. If 17-year-olds are old enough to work and be exploited, they are old enough to fight exploitation. It's not that simple. Trust me, in five years you will look back on this and laugh at yourself.

8:44In five years, I will be a doubly good communist.

8:52Six years later, August 1930, Shanghai. 23-year-old Ursula and her architect husband, Rudy Hamburger, walk down the gangplank of the ship that has brought them to China. Unable to find work in Germany's moribund economy, Rudy's taken a job here. Ursula was excited about coming here, but now feels overwhelmed. Hundreds of porters stream off the ship, their muscles straining to carry the heavy loads attached to the bamboo poles across their shoulders. Around the ship, beggars float in tin tubs, people with stumps for arms and legs, children with festering wounds. They whimper, holding hands outstretched for money or food.

9:40In the hot, humid atmosphere, the stench of garlic and sweat is overpowering. Waiting for them on the dock is one of Rudy's new colleagues, dressed in a white linen suit and a pith helmet. Mr and Mrs Hamburger, welcome to Shanghai. The port is a bit grim, I'm afraid. Don't worry, where we live is much nicer. Follow me. Ursula leans in close to Rudy. Doesn't anybody care about these people? Don't start. Remember, they don't tolerate communism here. You could get us into serious trouble, and we need this job. The man in the pith helmet stops in front of a bicycle rickshaw. Here we go. Jump in. The rickshaw man looks malnourished and has no shoes.

10:32Ursula hesitates, but Rudy pulls her onto the seats.

10:41Four months later, November 1930, the Cathay Hotel, Shanghai. Agnes Smedley sits at a table in a luxurious hotel dining room, scribbling in a notebook. Out of the corner of her eye, she enjoys the gossiping glances of the other expat women in their tea dresses and fashionable hats. Smedley is dressed in trousers, a man's shirt and a tie. She is a well-known American writer and communist and never misses an opportunity to provoke the bourgeoisie. She spots a young woman in the doorway with short, messy hair, bright eyes and the thickening figure of someone who is five months pregnant. This must be Ursula.

11:27A communist friend put them in touch. They had a brief phone conversation yesterday and arranged to meet. Agnes waves and the woman approaches. Agnes? Yes, good to meet you, Ursula. Oh, I can't tell you how excited I am to meet you. Your book, Daughter of Earth, was a revelation. It put into words everything I felt and knew to be true. Smedley smiles and waves Ursula to a seat. A waiter places a pot of tea down, pours them each a cup, and retires discreetly. Nice to meet someone who understands the cause. It's rare among the Europeans in Shanghai. Oh, I know. I'm so bored of the endless cocktail parties, mini-golf days and dinners.

12:18Nobody wants to see what's really going on in this city. the poverty, the disease, the exploitation, and not to mention the white terror. China's nationalist government is out to exterminate all communists. Thousands are being rounded up on the streets. They are shot, beheaded, or buried alive without trial. Others are abducted or simply disappear, their fates unknown. Ursula shakes her head. It's dreadful, and nobody says or does anything. Smedley ignores her tea, instead lighting a cigarette. What about your husband? Is he a communist too? No, he's politically to the left, but refuses to join the party.

13:07I've tried to convince him. It's the one thing we can't agree on. What are you both doing out here? Rudy is an architect, but he couldn't find work in Germany. It's getting harder for Jews there. Smedley listens as Ursula talks. It's probably the first honest conversation the poor thing has had since arriving in China. But as the hours tick by, Smedley becomes more and more interested. Ursula is not only a committed communist, but also intelligent and determined. She wonders if it might be worth passing her name on as a possible recruit. Because in addition to being a well-known communist writer, Smedley is also a Soviet spy.

14:05A few days later. In the sitting room of her home in Shanghai, Ursula looks up from her sewing as their Chinese butler enters. Mr. Richard Johnson for you. Behind the butler is a tall, dark-haired man of about 35. He has a slight limp, but his face is interestingly handsome, with thick, dark, wavy hair and intense blue eyes. Ursula smiles, holding out her hand. You must be the friend Agnes mentioned. She notices he has three missing fingers. He winks at her. War wound, I'm afraid. She flushes pink at being caught looking. He waits until her butler leaves and then closes the door. He sits beside her, his eyes intent.

14:57I'm pleased to meet a fellow German communist in Shanghai. Agnes told me you had work for me. I want to be useful. I do, but it's dangerous, helping our Chinese comrades in their struggle. I'm not afraid, and I can't bear to sit by doing nothing. Richard looks at her baby bump. I want you to reconsider. They shoot communists on the streets here. Don't think it would be different because you're German. At this point, you can still refuse without anyone holding it against you. I want to play my part. Very well. Your role will be logistical. We need somewhere to hold meetings that is safe from prying eyes.

15:42You can meet upstairs. Rudy is always at work, and the servants never enter the bedrooms unless they're called. I can keep watch. And when the baby is born? Ursula smiles mischievously. I would have thought a new mother with a baby is the perfect cover. It seems you're a natural at this.

16:08A few months later, Ursula wraps her arms tightly around Richard's waist as they speed through the outskirts of Shanghai on a motorbike. The adrenaline catches her breath as they squeech around corners. She shuts her eyes, expecting to crash at any moment. Do you always go this fast? Shall I slow down? No! Go faster! It's a few months since Ursula gave birth to her son, Misha. She adores him, but she knows motherhood would be dull without the weekly thrill of Richard's visits. He arrives, usually followed by one or two Chinese comrades. While they meet, she rocks her baby to sleep in the garden, keeping watch for them.

16:59After the comrades leave, Richard always stays longer so they can chat. But today he arrived unexpectedly and asked if she wanted a ride on his motorbike. Ursula couldn't resist. They leave the city, flying through the countryside. The wind whips her body mercilessly, filling it with terrified ecstasy. Finally, Richard slows and turns off the road into a deserted spot near a lake He switches off the bike and turns to her with a raised eyebrow Well? Ursula feels breathless and strangely uninhibited She loves Rudy, but he's sweet, gentle and normal Richard is communism, espionage and danger She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately.

18:00A few months later, Ursula holds Misha in her arms as Richard and two Chinese comrades carry a large trunk into the house. She directs them upstairs and, after an hour, makes them some tea. Opening the door to the bedroom, she stops short. On the bed are several different guns. Richard is showing the men how to use them. They all look at her in worried surprise. Richard takes the tea tray from her. Thank you, but you shouldn't be here. He gently closes the door behind her. She feels embarrassed, but she also has a niggling suspicion that he wanted her to see the guns. Was he gauging her reaction?

18:56Summer 1931. Ursula's Villa. What the hell were you thinking? Rudy stares at his wife in angry disbelief. Ursula's just told him she has agreed to shelter a communist fugitive in their house until Richard can arrange to get him to safety. This is dangerous, Ursula. You're not thinking about Misha. What happens to our child if we get arrested? And what happens to him if he grows up in a world run by fascists? Look at what's happening in Germany. It'll only be for a few days. Rudy looks away. Germany's banking crisis has fueled support for the fascist Nazi party led by Adolf Hitler. Jews are now being blamed for the country's economic devastation.

19:46You overestimate yourself, Ursula. You need to cut ties with your communist friends, including Richard. He asks too much of you. Of us. Ursula wonders if Rudy suspects their affair. Would you have me take no action and allow a comrade be caught and executed? I would never forgive myself. Or you. Rudy looks hurt and bewildered. Fine. Do what you want. You usually do. He stalks out of the house. She thought the move to China would strengthen their bond. Instead, they are drifting apart.

20:38Almost 18 months later, late 1932. At their villa, Ursula and Rudy are hosting a dinner party for his work colleagues and their wives. She finds these dinners an ordeal. The conversation is dull and the people patronising. Still, she sometimes learns information of use to Richard. And since sheltering the fugitive, Richard has entrusted her with more spy tasks. She feels relief at the phone call, giving her an excuse to break away from the dull chatter. Hello? Ursula? It's Richard. She turns her back so nobody sees the smile lighting up her face. Hello? Why are you calling here? To say goodbye.

21:30A cold wave of shock drenches her. What? I've had an urgent cable from the centre. I'm needed in another country. I'm sorry we didn't get a proper goodbye. I'll miss you. But what happens now? What do I do? You'll be contacted. Don't worry. This is just the beginning for you. Take care of yourself. Richard hangs up. But she can't bear to do the same. The world feels black all of a sudden. She wants to cry and scream, but can do neither. She takes a shaky breath, puts the receiver down, and forces her unwilling mouth into a smile. Then she returns to the dinner party as if nothing has happened.

22:28Hey, Dan Taberski here. I'm a podcast host, a journalist, and now with my newest project, the author of my own manifesto. Well, it's a manifesto about manifestos. My search for inspiration in a world that feels more infuriating, more out of its freaking mind with each passing hour. Manifestos are a call to action, an artful scream. They capture our anger and they try to do something with it. This is my attempt to take the manifesto back from mass shooters and nihilists and return it to its rightful place with the warriors, the visionaries, the regular folks with just the right amount of crazy.

23:03I compare notes with radicals, secessionists, internet trolls out for a laugh, and punk singers screaming their guts out, all trying to turn their anger into the world they want to see. Listen to Manifesto wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of Manifesto early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

23:33Six months later, June 1933, Czechoslovakia. Ursula sits on the bed next to two-year-old Misha and reads him a bedtime story. And the fishes, one, two, three, come back again, you see. She and Misha have been staying with Rudy's parents in a mountain chalet for the past few weeks. Rudy has stayed behind in Shanghai to work, but tomorrow Ursula must leave Misha. She shuts the book and smiles brightly at her son. Misha, darling, Mummy needs to go away soon. It'll be a long time until I can come back, but you'll stay with Omar and Opa until then. That will be fun, won't it? Misha's eyes widen. He throws his arms around her neck, clinging to her.

24:21No! Mummy, stay with Misha! Please! Mummy, stay with Misha! Ursula hugs her son, fighting back her own tears. After Richard said goodbye, Ursula was, as he promised, contacted by a Soviet intelligence officer. He offered her the chance to undergo spy training in Moscow. Despite Rudy's objections, she accepted the offer. But she can't take Misha with her. If he picked up any Russian there, he could blow her cover. She's been dreading this moment for months. Shh, my darling. Mummy will sleep with you tonight, yes? We'll talk more in the morning. She lies down on the bed with her son still clinging to her and hums a lullaby to calm him down.

25:17Hours later, Ursula wakes up on Misha's bed. He is finally asleep. She carefully peels herself away. She will pack and leave for Moscow immediately. She won't be strong enough to go if she waits until morning. Her tears drip ceaselessly as she folds clothes into her suitcase. Six months later, early 1934, Moscow. In his office, Colonel Tumanyan of the Red Army's Intelligence Directorate smiles at Ursula as he reads her training report. He's her boss and head of the Asia section. She likes him. He is sympathetic and laughs more than most senior officers. Congratulations, Comrade Kuczynski. First-rate marks in radio operations, recruitment, shooting and explosives.

26:10Impressive. Thank you. And now you're ready for your first mission. He gives her a briefing folder. You are to go to Manchuria to support the Chinese Communist partisans. who are fighting the Japanese occupation. Japan invaded this northeast region of China on the border of Russia three years ago. The Soviets are worried the Japanese are looking to take even more territory. This is a high-priority mission, but the Japanese secret military police, the Kempeitai, are vicious. If you're captured, you'll be tortured without mercy and then executed. Tumanyan watches her as she studies the file. Will you take your child with you?

26:54Of course. I've been away from him for too long already. I missed his third birthday. He comes with me or I don't go at all. Tumanyan doesn't try to dissuade her. You will travel to Shenyang with comrade Johan Patra. He's an experienced operative but doesn't speak Mandarin so will need your help. I would prefer to send you as a married couple. I'm already married and well known in Shanghai. People visit Shenyang from Shanghai all the time. I can't possibly turn up with a false passport and a new husband. I suppose it will take too long to divorce Rudy. Tumanyan knows of Ursula's troubled marriage, yet his assumption that she wants a divorce shocks her.

27:43But now she thinks about it. She hasn't missed Rudy at all. Only her son. Our story will be more believable if we pretend to have an affair. Tumania nods. That's a better plan. I'll inform him of the change. Does he know I have a son? It's better if you tell him that.

28:10A few weeks later, the Suez Canal, Egypt. The steamship, the SS Conte Verde, chugs past the hot desert that surrounds this section of the canal on its way to China. On the deck, Ursula plays catch with Misha, while a man in a trilby hat and expensive suit loiters nearby. It's Johann Patra, her partner on this spy mission. They met in Moscow, where he got in her good books by saying he loved children and didn't mind if she brought Misha on their joint mission. To build their cover, they've spent the trip pretending not to know each other. But now, as pre-planned in Moscow, they are about to stage their first encounter.