The KGB tried to recruit me (129)

<p>Hans de Vreij is a Dutch journalist who has worked in Berlin , Brussels, Geneva and Prague.</p><p>Whilst working at the United Nations in Geneva Hans was the subject of attempted recruitment by the KGB to develop an ‘agent of influence’ to disseminate Soviet points of view.</p><p>In addition, they analysed the ‘targeted journalist’ in terms of possible blackmail: ‘kompromat‘ (compromising material). This especially held true for journalists who later might find themselves in an important position, such as press spokesman at a ministry.</p><p>We later talk about Hans’ visit to a Soviet chemical weapons facility and testing ground on the Volga, some 750 kms southeast of Moscow as well as his service in the Dutch Army.</p><p>If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.</p><p>If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute at least $3 USD per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.</p><p>Just go to <a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/'>https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/</a></p><p>Back to today’s episode, we welcome Hans to our Cold War conversation…</p><p>There’s further information on this episode in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app. <a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/episode129/'>https://coldwarconversations.com/episode129/</a></p><p>If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.</p><p>Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.</p><p>Hi there, a quick word from your host – <b>we won an award for Best Arts &amp; History podcast </b>at the QTT