But while Townsend was not doing science in Washington, DC, in 1953, some very large events were happening all around him.
- The NSA was signed into creation at the end of '52. Signals, intercepts, and codes had become a big time business. The organization operated out of Arlington Hall until the Fort Meade facilities were completed.
Sarbacher was applying for a continuation of his permit to conduct atomic research in a residential area of DC.
Former French underground agent, alchemist and self taught atomic energy physicist, Jacques Bergier was (reportedly) in town, as was Jacques Cornillion, future author of the Montgolfier report.
On the international stage, a British-instigated coup was being carried out in Iran, and the CIA was knee deep in the mess. The French may have been ankle deep, but that's not where I am going with this.
On the more mundane level, Townsends FIL, Clifford Beale, was employed as the Senate doorman for diplomatic visitors
Meanwhile, Townsend and Jo were operating an exclusive laundry service for the residents of Embassy Row.
And not one of these things is connected to another. /s
I'm just pointing out that if one report played directly into his favorite wounded chicken role, it is possible that the other was a similar set up.
When the pheasant flies away from its nest, its seemingly broken wing drags a trail behind it.
Jan