Russian Foreign Intelligence Service showed a photo of the first letter from Soviet intelligence officer Abel-Fischer from prison in the United States
Photo: RIA Novosti Telegram channel
The Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) of Russia published a photocopy of the first letter that the Soviet intelligence officer, known in the world as Rudolf Abel ( his real name – William Fisher – was revealed only in 1991, two decades after his death ), wrote in 1958 home from prisons in the USA. Copies of documents SVR provided RIA Novosti.
Abel's letter to his wife was the first in a series of letters that played a big role in the subsequent release of the intelligence officer and his return to the USSR.
In a letter dated July 13, 1958, written in English, the recipient is his wife Elena (Ellen Abel), the letter should have been sent through the Soviet Embassy in Washington. “Dear Elena, at last I have the first opportunity in a long time to write to you and our daughter Lydia. I sincerely believe that you will receive this letter and be able to answer me, ”the scout addressed his wife.
It is noted that the native daughter of the Fishers was called Evelina, but the couple also had an adopted daughter, Lida, which few knew about. So he let his colleagues know that it was he who was writing from prison. Also in the letter, the scout asks his wife not to worry, take care of herself and her daughter, and hope to see her soon. “Give my regards to all our friends. Once again, please take care of yourself and your daughter. I remain with love for you, your husband and father, Rudolf, ”Abel concluded the message.
60 years ago, on February 10, 1962, on the Glienik bridge connecting the GDR and West Berlin, Soviet intelligence officer Rudolf Abel was exchanged for five US citizens, among whom was pilot Francis Powers, who was shot down during a reconnaissance flight near Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg). Until now, many details of the events remain classified.
