Someone helped us a lot with the atomic bomb. The intelligence (service) played a huge role. These Rosenbergs suffered in America. It is not excluded that they helped us. But we shouldn't really speak about it, because we might receive this kind of help in the future.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Molotov admits intelligence services helped the Soviet atomic program, possibly involving the Rosenbergs. He suggests not discussing this to keep receiving such help.
- In plain terms
- Spying helped build the Soviet atomic bomb, but we should not talk about it to keep getting help.
- What can you take from it?
- Secret intelligence can be crucial, but admitting it may stop future aid.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should states admit foreign intelligence help?
- What are risks of revealing espionage sources?
Another view
It downplays ethical concerns about espionage.
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