Klaus Fuchs

Born in 1911 in Russelheim, Germany, the son of a Lutheran pastor.

Raised in a very religiously strict home, with fervent anti-Nazi overtones. Educated at the University of Leipzig, he was an organizer of the German Socialist Party. Joined the Communist Party as a student at the University of Kiel but fled to England when Adolph Hitler attained power in September 1933. Obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol in 1936 and followed that up with a Sc.D. from the University of Edinburgh.

Attempted to become a British citizen in 1939, but England entered World War II against Germany and Fuchs was arrested as a suspected German agent (which he was not). Was sent to an internment camp in Canada. Became extremely angry and resentful of his treatment by the British and was likely contacted by Soviet agents during this time. Was released from the internment camp based in part on his noted anti-Nazi statements. Based on his background and capabilities in physics, was recruited back to England to work on the joint effort between England and the United States to create the atomic bomb. After obtaining security clearance, worked with Professor Rudolf Peierlson an endeavor called the Tube Alloys Project. While working on this atomic research, he also became a British citizen.

Although working on the atomic bomb research project for Britain, developed a moral dilemma in that he felt the Soviet Union should have access to the same research, being an Ally with Britain and the United States. Developed a contact with the Soviet Embassy in London and agreed to pass along information. Began by delivering copies of monthly reports to his contact, Semion Kremer.