Jona Klop von Ustinov often known simply as Klop was a multifaceted figure whose life spanned continents, professions, and tumultuous political change. Born in 1892 in Jaffa, in what was then Ottoman Palestine, he was the eldest son of Baron Plato von Ustinov and Magdalena Hall. His upbringing was truly cosmopolitan: educated in Germany, Switzerland, and France, he later moved to Berlin before settling in London. While he began his career as a German journalist and diplomat, Jona underwent a profound transformation, eventually becoming a valuable asset to British intelligence in the years leading up to World War II. His story encompasses wartime service, diplomatic defiance, espionage brilliance, and personal conviction.
Early Life and Education
A Cosmopolitan Childhood
Born Jonah Freiherr von Ustinov on December 2, 1892, in Jaffa, young Jona grew up in an environment rich with cultural influence. His father, originally a Russian baron naturalized in Germany, and his mother daughter of a German Jew turned Protestant missionary provided a diverse, multicultural household. Early years were spent between Jaffa, Düsseldorf, and Yverdon-les-Bains in Switzerland, giving him fluency in German, French, and later English.
European Studies and Early Career
Jona pursued higher education at Grenoble University in France, followed by a brief academic appointment at the University of Berlin teaching law. With the outbreak of World War I, he was conscripted and served in the German Army Air Service, where he earned the Württembergian Military Merit Order. His brother Peter died in action in 1917. After the war, Jona became a journalist with Wolff’s Telegraphisches Bureau in Amsterdam, before moving to Berlin and eventually London.
Marriage and Family
Union with Nadia Benois
On July 17, 1920, Jona married Russian-born painter Nadezhda Leontievna Benois. Soon after, the couple relocated to London, where their son, Peter Ustinov, was born in April 1921. Jona, who disliked his original name, embraced the affectionate nickname Klop Russian for bedbug given by Nadia, which stuck with him throughout life. Their marriage grounded him in London and began a new chapter in a city soon wrought by political tension.
From German Diplomat to British Defector
Press Attaché in Berlin and London
Klop began working for the German embassy in London as a press attaché. As the Nazi Party gained power, his cosmopolitan nature clashed with the rise of ethnic nationalism. In 1935, he courageously refused to produce an Aryan certificate (Ariernachweis), a requirement imposed on public servants by the Nazi regime. Rather than comply, he lost his diplomatic job and opted to remain in Britain.
Becoming a British Citizen
Facing the threat of further persecution, Jona naturalized as a British citizen. This decision protected him from internment or deportation once World War II began. His refusal to conform marked a turning point, both personally and historically.
Espionage Career with MI5
Sensitive Introductions and Official Recruitment
Jona’s close friendship with diplomat Robert Vansittart led to an introduction to Vernon Kell, head of MI5. Recognizing his unique insider knowledge and contacts, British intelligence recruited him. His case officer, Dick White, described him as ‘the best and most ingenious operator I had the honour to work with.’ Klop became a critical conduit, especially with German embassy insiders.
Key Intelligence Contributions
His most significant achievement was recruiting Wolfgang zu Putlitz, First Secretary of the German embassy in London, as a spy. Putlitz passed volumes of strategic intelligence to Jona, who relayed it directly to MI5 and Vansittart in the Foreign Office. This information proved invaluable, especially warnings about Hitler’s intentions ranging from rearmament to the impending invasions of Austria and Czechoslovakia.
Behind-the-Scenes Crisis Intervention
Jona hosted secret meetings in his London home between Putlitz and top British officials, including Vansittart and even Winston Churchill, then out of power. In March 1939, Jona and Putlitz supplied intelligence predicting Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia. Despite their warnings, Chamberlain’s government hesitated, culminating in the Munich Agreement.
Later Career and Recognition
MI6 and Lisbon Mission
Though details are sparse, it’s believed Jona also worked with MI6 during the war, possibly stationed in Lisbon. His networking with anti-Nazi Germans was considered crucial in the intelligence battle. His espionage work, while covert, had lasting impact on Allied understanding of Nazi plans.
Life After the War
Jona remained discreet after the conflict, showing little interest in public recognition. He died of a heart attack on December 1, 1962, in Eastleach, Gloucestershire. According to some accounts, he died without receiving a pension or much financial backing from the British government.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Father of a Famous Son
As the father of Sir Peter Ustinov, acclaimed actor, writer, and humanitarian, Jona’s influence extended into cultural realms. Peter’s memoirs and biography reflect on his father’s diverse background, personal charm, and quiet courage.
Recognition and Memorials
In 2021, a stumbling stone was laid in Berlin, honoring Jona’s anti-Nazi stance and work with MI5.
- Born 1892 in Jaffa, died 1962 in Gloucestershire
- Served in German Army Air Service in WWI
- Press attaché for German embassy until 1935
- Became British citizen, recruited by MI5 in 1935
- Instrumental in accessing critical intelligence via Wolfgang zu Putlitz
- Hosted clandestine meetings with British officials and Churchill
Jona Klop von Ustinov’s life was shaped by personal integrity and moral courage. His early rejection of Nazi racial policy, choice to become British, and espionage against the Third Reich reflect his commitment to principle over nationality. Although not as celebrated as his son or other wartime heroes, Klop’s intelligence work remains a vital part of the secret history that shaped the Allied response to Hitler. His story reminds us how quiet, determined individuals behind closed doors helped alter the course of history.
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