Summary of "Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra"
Episode 2: The Mole
Release Date: June 17, 2024
Introduction
In the second episode of Rachel Maddow's gripping series Ultra, titled "The Mole," the narrative delves into the clandestine activities of Francis Parker Yaqui, an American with deep ties to ultra-right movements and Nazi sympathizers. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the episode explores Yaqui's transformation from a suspected traitor to a central figure in a deadly plot that threatens the very fabric of American democracy.
Operation Pastorius: Nazi Sabotage in America
The episode opens with a recounting of Operation Pastorius, a Nazi mission during World War II aimed at sabotaging key American infrastructure. As Historian Gavriel Rosenfeld explains, the Nazis dispatched trained saboteurs to the United States with the intent to disrupt war production, destroy bridges, and contaminate water supplies.
Historian (02:48): "The Nazi saboteurs had all landed in America in the middle of June. By the end of June, they were all in federal custody."
Despite the audacity of the plan, the operation swiftly unraveled when two of the eight saboteurs turned themselves in, leading to the arrest and eventual execution of six Nazi agents. This marked a significant moment in American history, showcasing the nation's resolve against internal threats.
Francis Parker Yaqui: From Sympathizer to Fugitive
Amidst the fallout of Operation Pastorius, Francis Parker Yaqui emerges as a person of interest. Described as a 24-year-old Army private with connections to the American ultra-right, Yaqui becomes the FBI's primary suspect in potential further sabotage activities.
Political Commentator (14:05): "There are hundreds of FBI documents saying Chicago office is advised to be on the lookout for Francis Yockey."
Yaqui's affiliations include ties to William Dudley Pelley, the leader of the American fascist group Silver Shirts, and the German American Bund. His deep-seated fascist beliefs and overt anti-Semitism made him a significant concern for U.S. authorities.
The Manhunt and Yaqui’s Disappearance
Following the exposure of Operation Pastorius, Yaqui abruptly went AWOL, disappearing from his military base and fleeing to Mexico for two months. His disappearance coincided with heightened FBI efforts to apprehend anyone linked to the sabotage plot.
Historian (21:13): "For a few hours or even a few days. Francis Yaqui vanished for two months. He went AWOL to Mexico."
Upon his return, Yaqui was quickly discharged from the Army under the guise of mental illness, though he later admitted to faking symptoms to escape military service.
Infiltrating the Nuremberg Trials
Defying all odds, Yaqui secured a position as a U.S. government lawyer at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials in 1946. This role provided him with unprecedented access to sensitive documents and trial proceedings.
Historian (37:10): "Yaqui's job at the war crimes unit was in reviewing cases. The building that he reported to every day was a files and message center for the war crimes group, meaning that all sorts of court records and important trial documents were at his disposal."
Instead of aiding the prosecution, Yaqui acted as a mole, clandestinely assisting Nazi defendants by leaking critical information and documents to them. This betrayal not only undermined the integrity of the trials but also posed a significant threat to global security.
The Cobalt Bomb Conspiracy
The crux of Yaqui's treachery lies in his attempt to sell plans for a cobalt bomb, a hypothetical doomsday weapon capable of annihilating all life on Earth. His endeavors included engaging with Gamal Abdel Nasser, the rising nationalist leader of Egypt, to persuade him to develop and potentially deploy this catastrophic weapon.
Political Commentator (15:42): "Yaqui did in fact meet with this rising political star in Egypt, Nasser, and he started discussing plans right away for obtaining a so called cobalt bomb."
Yaqui’s actions raised alarms within the U.S. government, igniting fears of a nuclear arms race spiraling out of control and the emergence of an unstoppable authoritarian force.
The Global Pursuit and Final Confrontation
As Yaqui's plans began to surface, a years-long global manhunt was initiated. International law enforcement and intelligence agencies collaborated to track him down, recognizing the severe implications of his potential success in proliferating the cobalt bomb.
Political Commentator (39:20): "He's really turning into a sort of underground fascist James Bond."
Despite the relentless pursuit, Yaqui evaded capture, leaving behind his family in Germany and disappearing into the shadows. His elusiveness only intensified the global anxiety surrounding his objectives and the possible realization of his apocalyptic vision.
Implications for American Democracy
"The Mole" not only narrates the historical pursuit of a dangerous individual but also draws parallels to contemporary political climates. The episode underscores the fragility of democratic institutions when faced with insidious anti-democratic forces and highlights the perennial vigilance required to safeguard national security.
Historian (40:04): "It was a shocking and largely forgotten effort. What it would set in motion would ultimately leave a body count inside the United States Senate."
Conclusion
Episode 2 of Ultra masterfully intertwines historical events with a suspenseful narrative, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history that resonates with present-day political tensions. By uncovering the story of Francis Parker Yaqui, Rachel Maddow emphasizes the ongoing struggle between democratic resilience and authoritarian infiltration, urging listeners to remain vigilant against forces that seek to undermine the nation's foundational values.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Historian (02:48): "The hydrogen bomb really was a bigger, worse threat than the atomic bomb."
- Political Commentator (15:27): "Yaqui did in fact meet with this rising political star in Egypt, Nasser."
- Historian (37:10): "Yaqui was hired to help the prosecution, but what he did was serve as a mole inside the prosecution to instead help the Nazi war crimes defendants."
- Political Commentator (39:20): "He's really turning into a sort of underground fascist James Bond."
Production Credits
- Written by: [Your Name], Mike Jarvitz, Jen Mulraney Donovan
- Executive Produced by: [Your Name], Mike Jarvitz
- Produced by: Jen Mulraney Donovan, Kelsey Desiderio
- Associate Producer: Vasilios Karsilakis
- Audio Engineering and Sound Design: Bob Mallory, Katherine Anderson
- Head of Audio Production: Bryson Barnes
- Senior Executive Producers: Cory Naso, Laura Conaway
- Web Producer: Will Femia
- Executive Producer for MSNBC Audio: Aisha Turner
- Senior Vice President for Content Strategy at MSNBC: Rebecca Cutler
Archival radio material is from NBC News via the Library of Congress, with additional archival content courtesy of the Drew Pearson estate.
For more information about the series, visit msnbc.com/ultra.