Ethel Rosenberg’s Cold War Role Revealed by Declassified Memo

A recently declassified memo from a U.S. codebreaker reveals that Ethel Rosenberg was aware of her husband Julius's espionage activities but did not participate in them due to illness. This memo, dated August 22, 1950, was written shortly after the couple's arrest and suggests that Ethel was not a spy, contradicting the narrative that led to her execution in 1953 for conspiracy to steal atomic secrets for the Soviet Union. The memo has reignited debates about her role in the espionage case, with her sons, Robert and Michael Meeropol, advocating for her exoneration. They argue that the memo serves as crucial evidence that their mother was wrongfully convicted and executed. The Meeropols have long contested the accusations against their mother, asserting that she had no involvement in espionage activities. They highlight that Ethel was not given a code name by the Soviets, unlike Julius, and that other documents support their claim of her innocence. The brothers have called on President Biden to formally acknowledge their mother's wrongful conviction, viewing the memo as a pivotal piece of evidence in their fight for justice. The case has been contentious, with historians divided on Ethel's involvement. Some argue that while she may not have directly engaged in espionage, she was complicit in her husband's activities. However, the Meeropols maintain that the evidence clearly indicates Ethel was not considered an asset by Soviet intelligence. The release of the memo marks a significant moment in the long-standing quest to clear Ethel Rosenberg's name, as it challenges the foundational aspects of the case against her and raises questions about the fairness of the trial that led to her execution alongside her husband.