Politics Billionaire former spy 'lavished gifts' on Charles and Di


Published in Sydney Morning Herald - Indexed on Mar 10, 2003
Prince Charles was facing fresh embarrassment yesterday over his links with a billionaire oil tycoon, who allegedly spent more than 70 years spying on the West for Soviet Russia. American-born Armand Hammer, who had been identified as a Soviet agent by British and American intelligence agencies, is said to have poured more than US$40 million ($65 million) into many of the Prince's favourite causes during the 1970s and 80s. Britain's Daily Mail yesterday claimed priceless gifts were lavished on Charles and Diana as Hammer cynically set out to exploit an heir to the throne he regarded as gullible and naive.
· Hammers and Arms [SMH]