Spies in the Family

1. CIA Officer Paul Dillon and Soviet General Dmitri Polyakov: An Unlikely Cold War Alliance

"Paul D[illon] and Polyakov were the perfect match," she wrote in Circle of Treason. "The GRU general came to understand that he had a trustworthy co-conspirator in Paul and it was time to discard his belief that he was merely an agent whose only value was the information he provided."

Unexpected partnership. Paul Dillon, a CIA officer, and Dmitri Polyakov, a Soviet GRU general, formed an unlikely alliance during the Cold War. Their relationship, built on mutual trust and respect, became one of the most productive intelligence partnerships in history.

Polyakov's journey. Polyakov's path to becoming an American asset began in the early 1960s when he volunteered his services to the FBI while stationed at the Soviet UN Mission in New York. His motivations were complex, rooted in disillusionment with Soviet leadership and a desire to prevent nuclear war.

Dillon's role. Paul Dillon became Polyakov's handler in India, where their relationship deepened. Dillon's approach, characterized by professionalism and genuine care for Polyakov's well-being, allowed the Soviet general to feel secure in his role as an American asset.

2. The Perils of Espionage: REDSOX Operation and the Betrayal of Agents

"We had another great case," recalled Hathaway. "A Soviet with, in my opinion, good bona fides. But Angleton insisted he was controlled and sent [CIA case officer] Jim Flint to tell the Soviet that he was controlled and we didn't want him. The officer was so insulted he punched Flint in the face."

REDSOX disaster. The REDSOX operation, aimed at inserting agents into Soviet territory, highlighted the dangers of espionage. Despite extensive training and preparation, none of the agents sent into the USSR were ever heard from again.

Betrayal from within. The failure of REDSOX was largely due to the betrayal of Kim Philby, a high-ranking British intelligence officer who was secretly working for the Soviets. Philby passed on crucial information about the operation to Moscow, leading to the capture and likely execution of the agents.

Lasting impact. The REDSOX debacle had a profound effect on CIA operations and morale. It underscored the inherent risks of intelligence work and the devastating consequences of betrayal within the ranks.

3. Polyakov's Motivations: Ideological Shift and Concern for Russian People

"I want to warn you," Polyakov told Mabey, "you Americans are arrogant and careless. You don't always see how what the Soviet Union does militarily and politically is aimed at weakening you."

Disillusionment with Soviet leadership. Polyakov's decision to spy for the United States stemmed from a growing disillusionment with Soviet leadership, particularly Nikita Khrushchev. He viewed the Soviet leaders as corrupt and self-serving, betraying the sacrifices of the Russian people.

Preventing nuclear war. A key motivation for Polyakov was his desire to prevent nuclear war. He believed that by providing the United States with accurate information about Soviet capabilities and intentions, he could help maintain a balance of power and reduce the risk of conflict.

Loyalty to Russia. Despite his actions, Polyakov remained deeply loyal to Russia and its people. He saw his espionage as a means of serving his country's true interests, even if it meant working against its government.

4. The Berlin Wall Crisis: A Turning Point in Cold War Tensions

"It's not a very nice solution," President Kennedy concluded, "but a wall is a hell of a lot better than a war."

Escalating tensions. The Berlin Wall crisis of 1961 marked a critical point in Cold War relations. The Soviet Union's decision to build the wall was a response to the massive exodus of East Germans to the West, which was undermining the East German economy and political stability.

Intelligence failure. Despite the CIA's extensive presence in Berlin, the agency failed to predict the construction of the wall. This intelligence failure highlighted the challenges of operating in a highly monitored environment and the limitations of human intelligence.

Kennedy's response. President Kennedy's measured response to the wall's construction, while criticized by some as weak, was designed to avoid escalating the situation into a potentially catastrophic conflict.

5. James Angleton's Paranoia: The Destructive "Monster Plot" Theory

"Nearly everything the Soviet Division acquired from agents was poisoned by Angleton," McCoy recalled.

Angleton's influence. James Angleton, the CIA's counterintelligence chief, developed a theory of a "Monster Plot" by the Soviets to deceive and infiltrate Western intelligence agencies. This paranoia led to the dismissal of valuable intelligence and the destruction of numerous careers.

Impact on operations. Angleton's suspicions paralyzed much of the CIA's Soviet operations, as almost every potential Soviet asset was viewed as a potential double agent. This severely hampered the agency's ability to gather intelligence on the Soviet Union.

Legacy of mistrust. The effects of Angleton's paranoia lingered long after his departure from the CIA, creating a culture of suspicion and caution that hindered effective intelligence gathering and analysis.

6. Polyakov's Intelligence Contributions: Shaping U.S. Cold War Strategy

"What General Polyakov did for the West didn't just help us win the cold war, it kept the cold war from becoming hot. Polyakov's role was invaluable, and it was one that he played until the end—in his own words—for his country."

Crucial intelligence. Polyakov provided the United States with a wealth of critical intelligence over two decades, including:

• Soviet military capabilities and plans
• Nuclear strategy and weapons systems
• Identity of Soviet agents operating in the West
• Insight into Soviet leadership thinking and decision-making processes

Strategic impact. The intelligence Polyakov provided helped shape U.S. Cold War strategy by:

• Confirming the reality of the Sino-Soviet split
• Providing insight into Soviet nuclear doctrine
• Helping to prevent miscalculations that could have led to conflict

Technological insights. Polyakov's information on Soviet military technology allowed the U.S. to better understand its adversary's capabilities and adjust its own defense programs accordingly.

7. The Unraveling: Aldrich Ames' Betrayal and the Fall of Polyakov

"Rick is a goddamn Russian spy!"

Ames' betrayal. Aldrich Ames, a CIA counterintelligence officer, began spying for the Soviet Union in 1985. His actions led to the exposure and execution of numerous U.S. assets, including Polyakov.

Hunt for the mole. The CIA's efforts to identify the source of the leaks were hampered by:

• Internal skepticism about the existence of a mole
• Bureaucratic inertia and resistance to investigating colleagues
• Ames' ability to deflect suspicion and pass polygraph tests

Polyakov's fate. Polyakov was arrested in 1986 and executed in 1988, a direct result of Ames' betrayal. His death marked the end of one of the most valuable intelligence operations in U.S. history.

8. Legacy and Impact: The Human Cost of Cold War Espionage

"Do svidaniya," he said. Good-bye.

Personal toll. The story of Polyakov and Dillon illustrates the profound personal costs of espionage:

• Polyakov's execution and the suffering of his family
• The stress and ethical dilemmas faced by handlers like Dillon
• The broader impact on families and colleagues of those involved in intelligence work

Ethical questions. The case raises complex ethical questions about loyalty, duty, and the morality of espionage in the context of global conflict.

Historical significance. Polyakov's contributions to U.S. intelligence played a significant role in shaping Cold War dynamics and potentially preventing armed conflict between superpowers. His story underscores the often-unseen impact of intelligence operations on geopolitical events.

Last updated: April 26, 2025