Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new way to search our records, which we’re still working on. Alternatively you can search our existing catalogue, Discovery.

Piece

Desmond Patrick COSTELLO and Bella COSTELLO, alias LERNER: British. Born in New Zealand,...

Catalogue reference: KV 2/4328

What’s it about?

This record is about the Desmond Patrick COSTELLO and Bella COSTELLO, alias LERNER: British. Born in New Zealand,... dating from 1934 Oct 03 - 1951 Jan 27 in the series The Security Service: Personal (PF Series) Files. It is held at The National Archives, Kew.

Is it available online?

No, this record is not available online. However, you can order a copy. Other ways to view it.

Can I see it in person?

Yes, this record is held at The National Archives and is available to see in person. How to view it.

Full description and record details

Reference
KV 2/4328
Date
1934 Oct 03 - 1951 Jan 27
Description

Desmond Patrick COSTELLO and Bella COSTELLO, alias LERNER: British. Born in New Zealand, Desmond COSTELLO came to Cambridge University in 1934 where he was reported to have strong communist sympathies. Bella COSTELLO was recorded as a communist Party official in Exeter during the war. Between 1944 and 1950 Desmond COSTELLO was a member of the New Zealand legation in Moscow and subsequently in Paris. In 1955 he was appointed to Manchester University. In 1960 Bella COSTELLO is believed to have applied for a death certificate on behalf of Soviet intelligence, used later to acquire a false identity for the Soviet spy, KROGER. Her husband was a suspected Soviet contact also

Held by
The National Archives, Kew
Former department reference
PF 43334 VOL 1
Legal status
Public Record(s)
Access conditions
Retained Until 2017
Closure status
Open Document, Open Description
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/C16412896/

How to order it

  1. View this record page in our current catalogue
  2. Check viewing and downloading options
  3. Select an option and follow instructions
View this record page

Series information

KV 2

The Security Service: Personal (PF Series) Files

See the series level description for more information about this record.

View series description

Catalogue hierarchy

Over 27 million records

This record is held at The National Archives, Kew

6,152 records

Within the department: KV

Records of the Security Service

4,773 records

Within the series: KV 2

The Security Service: Personal (PF Series) Files

You are currently looking at the piece: KV 2/4328

Desmond Patrick COSTELLO and Bella COSTELLO, alias LERNER: British. Born in New Zealand,...

Related records

Records that share similar topics with this record.