Northern (N): Soviet Union (NS). Suspected Defection of RAF Officer to Soviet Union

A file of correspondence concerning the suspected defection of a member of the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) to the Soviet Union. The documents discuss the case of Anthony Wraight, a young flying officer in the R.A.F., who has been absent without leave from his unit for a week; and the revelation that Wraight has left Britain, flying alone to West Berlin. The documents also cover news from the Foreign Office that Wraight was known to have been in contact with Soviet representatives in Britain, but the Foreign Office decided after discovering this that it was unnecessary to "place any special restrictions on the movements of this young and inexperienced officer". Other documents comment on the drafting of a press release announcing Wraight's defection; and the belief of the Foreign Office that Wraight may still be in West Berlin, and that it will be possible to apprehend him.