Spy’s Wife Breaks Her Silence (Press, 7 December 1976)
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Summary: Spy’s Wife Breaks Her Silence (Press, 7 December 1976)
Melinda Mac Lean, who was formerly married to Donald Mac Lean, one of the most infamous British spies, has broken her silence after 23 years, as reported by the "Daily Express" on 7 December 1976. Donald Mac Lean, a former member of the British Foreign Office, defected to the Soviet Union in 1951 alongside Guy Burgess, revealing critical Western military secrets during the height of the Cold War. Melinda, who is American-born and now 60 years old, left her husband due to his struggles with alcoholism and his known homosexuality. From 1967 to 1970, she lived in Moscow with another notorious figure, double agent Kim Philby. The interview took place in New York, where Melinda was reportedly hiding with a family member, marking her first time outside the Soviet Union since she moved there to join her husband in 1953. During her discussion with Paul Dacre of the "Express," she expressed a belief that numerous falsehoods have been written about her. When asked about her choices throughout her tumultuous relationship with Donald, Melinda stated that she never considered divorce and felt a strong commitment to the decision she made in 1953 to be with him and their children. Melinda commented on her current relationship with Donald, stating they still see him frequently and that he is as content as he can be. Although she acknowledged having regrets, she did not specify what they were. In the early 1960s, there were speculations about Melinda divorcing Donald to marry a K.G.B. officer, which transitioned later into her cohabitation with Philby, who had previously alerted the Mac Leans that they were at risk of being uncovered as spies. Currently, Melinda is in the United States on an extended tourist visa that is valid until February, with no immediate plans to return to the Soviet Union. Her revelations provide a rare insight into the life of someone intertwined with notorious espionage figures during a critical and dangerous period of history.
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