Was Julia Child a Spy?

Interesting article about newly released documents relating to the World War II-era Office of Strategic Services:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ ... 4614.story

Considering the weakening of our moral fiber that followed upon her arrival on TV, teaching the effete food doctrines of our oldest enemy, it's obvious that she was a double agent.

This is not news. It was covered in a couple of books about her, although maybe not specifically what her role was. I believe she was stationed in Ceylon.

rickster wrote:This is not news. It was covered in a couple of books about her, although maybe not specifically what her role was. I believe she was stationed in Ceylon.

The documents were released today. Although Julia's involvement was known (as was the involvement of others), the documents provide new information about her application and the names of other notable people involved in the program.

Just when you thought she couldn't be any more awesome.

Does this mean I can now share my dream of being both famous chef and international secret agent without being laughed at?

rickster wrote:This is not news. It was covered in a couple of books about her, although maybe not specifically what her role was. I believe she was stationed in Ceylon.

I agree. I have known that for years.

It will be interesting to perus those documents and find out all the other celebrities who also worked for the OSS.

Dmnkly wrote:Just when you thought she couldn't be any more awesome.

Does this mean I can now share my dream of being both famous chef and international secret agent without being laughed at?

Dmnkly...International Man of Pastry

Dmnkly wrote:Does this mean I can now share my dream of being both famous chef and international secret agent without being laughed at?

I think Anthony Bourdain already has that gig.

jlawrence01 wrote:

rickster wrote:This is not news. It was covered in a couple of books about her, although maybe not specifically what her role was. I believe she was stationed in Ceylon.

I agree. I have known that for years.

It will be interesting to perus those documents and find out all the other celebrities who also worked for the OSS.

No, that's all very true... but the quick blurbs I've seen so far seem to imply that they reveal she was more involved than previously known to the public. I mean, there's working for the OSS and working for the OSS

HI,

Please don't forget Julia's husband Paul Child was also an OSS, which has not been a secret. Those who are deep into this type of activity never talk.

Walter Mess, who handled covert OSS operations in Poland and North Africa, said he kept quiet for more than 50 years, only recently telling his wife of 62 years about his OSS activity.

"I was told to keep my mouth shut," said Mess, now 93 and living in Falls Church, Virginia.

Julia's and Paul's willingness to talk of their association suggests to me they were workers, though maybe not too deeply. There are people who collect information, those who analyze it and those who are covert to pursue information or coordinate with sources.

I know someone who was involved in military intelligence whose job switched to military public relations. When I learned of the job change, my comment, "The perfect cover for a spook." People who are involved in covert intelligence are not so transparent.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:People who are involved in covert intelligence are not so transparent.

Shhhhhhh........ you're ruining my mental image of an apron-clad Julia meeting with shady characters in the alleys of Ceylon to exchange duck a l'orange for microfilm