ABSTRACT
It is difficult to estimate with the unavailabilty of most of ASIO’s records relating to this topic, when it was that ASIO formed the conclusion that Petrov was either seeking to defect or could be the recipient of an invitation to defect. From the material available it does appear, however, that both parties, Petrov and ASIO, kept signalling to each other that an offer and an acceptance were a real possibility. The unmentioned question in these unspoken negotiations was one of what goods were to be exchanged for what reward. At the centre of these negotiations stood the self-seeking Dr Bialoguski calculating what benefit he might be able to collect from either side. The manner in which this highly intelligent freelance agent was able to get himself employed by ASIO to watch closely and report on Petrov has been analysed in the previous chapter. What is of interest at this point is when the good doctor also came to the conclusion that Petrov was seeking, or offering, a defection package and how he manoeuvred to ensure that he got something out of the arrangement. The outcome was a compromise - ASIO got their defector; Petrov got his cash reward and Australian citizenship; Dr Bialoguski got his financial reward and every assistance from ASIO to publish the book of his experiences. The judges and lawyers involved in the RCE, as well as Colonel Spry, gained knighthoods from Prime Minister Menzies for their endeavours. It would have been an equally fitting tribute for Dr Bialoguski to have been similarly honoured for his political services to the Menzies government in playing such a central role in ensuring that Petrov and his documents were delivered safely into ASIO’s hands.
