Royal Commission on Espionage

Royal Commission on Espionage
A picture of Vladimir Petrov and his wife. Petrov was a key testifier in the commission
DateApril 13, 1954 – August 22, 1955 (1954-04-13 – 1955-08-22)
LocationAlbert Hall, Canberra
Also known asPetrov Affair
CausePetrov's defection from the Soviet Union
First reporterVladimir Petrov
Participants
OutcomeNo prosecutions, expulsion of the Soviet Embassy
InquiriesRoyal Commission into espionage committed by the Soviet Union

The Royal Commission on Espionage was a royal commission established on 13 April 1954 by the Australian government pursuant to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 to inquire into and report on Soviet espionage in Australia. The establishment of the commission followed the defection of Soviet diplomat Vladimir Petrov (the "Petrov Affair").[1] Officially titled Third Secretary of the Soviet Embassy in Canberra, it was revealed that Petrov was in fact a lieutenant colonel in the KGB and in charge of espionage in Australia.[2]

  1. ^ "Soviet Spy Ring Directed from Canberra — Mr. Menzies". Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957). 14 April 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 20 July 2019 – via Trove.
  2. ^ "The Royal Commission on Espionage, 1954–55". naa.gov.au. National Archives of Australia. Retrieved 15 August 2021.