My memory says our "Intel Folks" said, after WW2, that the Soviets would be TEN YEARS in getting 'the bomb.'-------I can't count to 10 between 45 and 49...........
Our intel folks were focusing on their building the Bomb, not stealing it. The Soviets can thank Klaus Fuchs and Ted Hall, at least as much as any of their own scientists, for the accelerated time table.