Author Roald Dahl Indulged in Romanic Liaisons to Gather Intelligence
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Roald Dahl is famous for writing books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. However, before he wrote these beloved children’s tales, he spied on the United States on behalf of British Intelligence. In 1942, Dahl worked at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. His assignment was getting cozy with powerful, wealthy women. His goal was to persuade them to advocate for Britain’s interests during World War II. Interestingly, his romantic liaisons with congressman Clare Boothe Luce, whose husband published Time magazine, became so heated, Dahl asked British Intelligence to relieve him of duty. His persistence worked, and he garnered support for the British cause while also collecting valuable information for his government.