A former British defence attaché to Moscow revealed he was constantly followed when leaving the embassy, with even a bus driver acknowledging the tailing. This chilling account highlights the risks faced by diplomats and spies operating abroad.
In another intriguing anecdote from the Cold War era, a British spy in 1960s Moscow recounted how a fellow passenger in the same bus offered him his fare one morning. However, before accepting the donation, the stranger discreetly pointed to an accomplice – a Russian tasked with tailing the Briton. The two exchanged knowing glances, illustrating the level of surveillance and paranoia that defined life as a foreign operative.
In addition to its espionage stories, readers' letters also highlighted the talents of Guardian writers outside their respective fields. Martin Kettle's reviews of classical music were praised for showcasing his knowledge and insight. It remains to be seen if he will continue to contribute to these features in his future retirement.
The letters section also saw reactions from readers who found themselves outdone by other contributors' writing. Sophie Houston confessed that John Crace had already articulated her thoughts on a particular issue, prompting her to retract her planned letter.
Furthermore, the use of colloquialisms and wordplay was evident when Chris Osborne likened the task of changing a double duvet cover to "wrestling with the bear". The phrase originated from Neil Young's guitar soloing in the Guardian.
Lastly, Cherry Weston noted the similarity between Robert Jenrick's rise as a politician and Nigel Farage's potential role as Deputy Dawg – a nickname for a cartoon character.
In another intriguing anecdote from the Cold War era, a British spy in 1960s Moscow recounted how a fellow passenger in the same bus offered him his fare one morning. However, before accepting the donation, the stranger discreetly pointed to an accomplice – a Russian tasked with tailing the Briton. The two exchanged knowing glances, illustrating the level of surveillance and paranoia that defined life as a foreign operative.
In addition to its espionage stories, readers' letters also highlighted the talents of Guardian writers outside their respective fields. Martin Kettle's reviews of classical music were praised for showcasing his knowledge and insight. It remains to be seen if he will continue to contribute to these features in his future retirement.
The letters section also saw reactions from readers who found themselves outdone by other contributors' writing. Sophie Houston confessed that John Crace had already articulated her thoughts on a particular issue, prompting her to retract her planned letter.
Furthermore, the use of colloquialisms and wordplay was evident when Chris Osborne likened the task of changing a double duvet cover to "wrestling with the bear". The phrase originated from Neil Young's guitar soloing in the Guardian.
Lastly, Cherry Weston noted the similarity between Robert Jenrick's rise as a politician and Nigel Farage's potential role as Deputy Dawg – a nickname for a cartoon character.
. As a parent, I think it's really cool to learn about the history of intelligence agencies, but also super scary thinking about how much surveillance was going on back then 
. It's like, you can't even take a bus ride without being watched? What kind of world are we living in?! 
. But what's also lovely is the humility shown by Sophie Houston, retraction and all 
.
? Like, yeah, that might be a challenge for me too... but at least I don't have to navigate espionage 
!
This is wild stuff! I mean, who knew being followed around like a chicken with its head cut off was a thing? 
The story about the bus driver recognizing the tailing is just crazy! It's no wonder diplomats and spies have to be so paranoid when working abroad. Like, how are you supposed to trust anyone in a foreign country?
. And sorry Sophie Houston for getting outdone by John Crace 
. It's like we all live with some level of paranoia, waiting for that one moment when our lives are scrutinized. But at the same time, it makes me wonder - what price do we pay for security and protection? Is it worth giving up a bit of freedom just to feel safe? Food for thought 
I mean, can you imagine walking down the street in Moscow, not knowing who's watching you?
constantly being followed is soooo unsettling 
can't imagine living like that 
spies & diplomats deserve some serious respect 
bus drivers even noticed the tailing 
knowing glances = total paranoia 
️
retraction is key, imo 
Nigel Farage might be onto something? 
, I'm like totally freaking out about this news! 
As a total newbie to espionage, it sounds crazy that even the bus driver is watching you... it's like, what's up with that?! 
#DiplomaticLife #SurveillanceState
. Sophie Houston retraction though? 
That's so cool! #WordplayWednesday
? that's wild thinkin bout them spy games back in the day... like, what r u even doin if someone points to their "accomplice" 
Anyway, I do love Chris Osborne's wrestling with a double duvet cover analogy – sounds like Neil Young's soloing is just the best 
. On a lighter note, who knew wrestling with a double duvet was so...enlightening? Chris Osborne, you're a genius! And Cherry Weston's Robert Jenrick vs Nigel Farage comparison is like the ultimate meme 
.
. We should all strive to be open about when someone else has nailed an idea 
honestly can't even imagine what it'd be like to work abroad as a spy or diplomat... I mean, we always talk about the excitement of new adventures in parenting, but this is on a whole different level 
. Those spy stories are crazy! I can just imagine being followed everywhere and having to deal with all that paranoia 
! It's like someone took a look at our current politics and went "let's make a cartoon character out of these politicians" 
how Sophie Houston got her thoughts preemptively stolen by John Crace. I guess you can never underestimate the power of good writing!