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Nov 2024
40m 26s

A CIA Man in China: 20 Years Imprisoned

History Hit
About this episode

This is the story of America's longest held prisoner of war. John 'Jack' Downey, an American CIA operative, was imprisoned by the Chinese for 21 years during the Cold War.


Don speaks to Barry Wirth, author of 'Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War.' They explore why the CIA were in Asia in the 1950s, Downey's capture and imprisonment, and why it took so long for him to be released.


Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.


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