a meteorologist, and a colonel in the Norwegian army; Hurka says of his father rather melodramatically that he was “held by no laws.” Asked outright if he was a CIA agent, he prevaricated, and Hurka concludes, “his participation was more military.” What this means is anyone’s guess.
It is tantalizing that this son did not manage to put to his father the questions that might have drawn out a more complete story. And why does the father not speak for himself and write his autobiography? In 1992, he was officially cleared of all the charges invented by the Communists, rehabilitated, and offered a pension. Czechoslovakia is now the Czech Republic, free and democratic, but unlike his son Josef Hurka has not been there even as a tourist. Once a secret agent always a secret agent, presumably, but it would be good to learn more details about deeds well done in those grim years. NR
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