Kiwi diplomat was a Russian spy, says NZSIS, author and historian
8 Jan, 2021 04:00 PM
7 minutes to read
Kiwi diplomat Paddy Costello was most likely a Russian spy, the NZ Security Intelligence Service has said. The statement follows questions from the Herald after a new book and, separately, the findings of a hallmark academic study said there was now evidence putting beyond reasonable doubt the allegation Costello was a Soviet spy.
In response to questions from the Herald, the NZ Security Intelligence Service has now for the first time stated that Costello most likely was working with the intelligence services of the USSR .
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with Lieutenant-Colonel George Dittmer at his side, watches 16 Platoon of D Company, 28th Maori Battalion, march past in England, 1940. The Maori Battalion, along with the rest of 2NZEF’s Second Echelon, had been en route to the Middle East in May 1940 when they were diverted to Britain. In July they were deployed to southern England to help defend against a possible German invasion. After six months in Britain the men of the Second Echelon sailed for their original destination, Egypt, where they arrived in early March 1941.
The Maori
By the time the Second World War ended in 1945, 28 (Maori) Battalion had become one of the most celebrated and decorated units in the New Zealand forces. The pinnacle of its achievement was the Victoria Cross won by Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu in 1943. Ultimately, nearly 16,000 Māori enlisted for service during the Second World War.