</s>204-102-19-10154 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 SECRET 12P15 HEMORANDUM FOR: Director HEMIORANDUM FON: Director national Security Agency ATTENTION : Mr. Besson Affiffin : Mr." Besson affiffinan SUJJECT : Chullillian Maclachlan Martin and lomon Ferguson Mitchell-D-22-937 1. Attached is a copy of a report recently received through Canadian Illison channellis conconcorais a conversation between Canadian professor Dr. hians know and martin in Moscow. The attendent outlines the conversation among juniors with Martin and indicates that both Martin and Mitchell had attepting to leave the USSR. 2. Also attached is a report on Yuri (orveyor) Torgey, 21-6829 Kunov's host at the USSR Academy of Sciences Computer Center. 3. The Canadians have advised us that the Fai has received the information contained in the attachants. FOR THE DIPUTY DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS: George T. Kalaris Attachments: As stated GIOL-C/T-0184-Z. DUO/CI/R/A/K-Kerbe.de/d3) (12/12/75) COORDINATION: Distribution: Aris 6 - C/C/I/Watt Adobe Watt Paul L. Rinaldo C/CI/V/WATT Paul L, Rinalaldo C/IC/RAN/I W/att C/IV/D/VV/T/CS in draft 12-bee 1975 C/IR/G/N/A1/W/ATT Watt 1- DIV/VVD/TCS 21-28-2938 B- 401-0-038-5/DV/DY/D B-201-0287-337 SECRET 1-2-0/0/2/8/7/8

Summary:  
The documents detail interactions between Canadian and U.S. intelligence agencies and Soviet defectors or individuals with ties to the USSR during 1973-1975. Dr. Hans KUNOV (University of Toronto) visited Moscow in 1973 and 1975, engaging with William Martin (an American who died in the USSR in 1950) and Bernon Ferguson Mitchell. Martin claimed to be harassed by Soviet authorities, had a comfortable apartment in Moscow, and expressed desire to leave the USSR despite being denied immigration permits. Mitchell was described as married to a music conservatory dean in Leningrad, unhappy with Soviet life, and willing to take risks to emigrate. KUNOV facilitated contact between Martin/Mitchell and Canadian/U.S. embassies, though responses were cautious. The documents also reference Yuri Torgey (USSR Academy of Sciences Computer Center) and Igorovitch Torgov (Soviet computer scientist), noting their interactions with Western academics and potential defector activities.  

Key People:  
- Dr. Hans KUNOV (University of Toronto, Canada)  
- William Martin (American, died in USSR 1950)  
- Bernon Ferguson Mitchell (USSR resident, married to Leningrad music conservatory dean)  
- Yuri Torgey (USSR Academy of Sciences Computer Center host)  
- Igorovitch Torgov (Soviet computer scientist, visited Canada 1974-1975)  

Key Locations:  
- Moscow, USSR  
- Ottawa, Canada  
- Toronto, Canada  
- Leningrad, USSR  

Key Events:  
- Martin and Mitchell’s attempts to emigrate from the USSR, facilitated by KUNOV.  
- KUNOV’s interactions with Canadian/U.S. embassies regarding defector cases.  
- Torgov’s visits to Canada and discussions on Soviet dissident issues.  
- Reports of Soviet harassment of Martin and Mitchell, including broken mail and work refusals.  

Key Organizations:  
- Canadian Embassy, Moscow  
- U.S. Embassy, Moscow  
- USSR Academy of Sciences Computer Center  
- RCMP Liaison Office (Canada)

JFK Declassified Files

104-10219-10154.pdf

Document Summary

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