Bloch Seeks Hearing to Appeal Dismissal

Foreign Service officer Felix S. Bloch, suspected of spying for the Soviet Union, has asked to appear before a diplomatic review board to appeal his dismissal as a security risk, the State Department said Thursday.

Margaret Tutwiler, department spokeswoman, said that the appearance was requested by Bloch’s attorney but that no hearing date had been set.

The department announced Feb. 8 that Bloch, 54, had been suspended, his annual salary of $80,700 was being withheld and steps were being taken to fire him. The actions were taken under provisions of a law permitting the suspension or dismissal of a federal employee “in the interest of national security.” Bloch has not been charged with any crime.