Breaking with Moscow [antikvár]

PREFACE It is not my purpose in this memoir to instill feel-ings of hostility in Americans toward the Soviet people, or to complicate in any way efforts to promote peace. The world has enough madmen trying to do that. What I want is to share with the reader my experiences under the Soviet system; to tell the truth about it as I lived it; to inform the public of Soviet designs, and to warn of the dangers they present to the world. In so doing I hope also, in however small a way, to help the Soviet people eventually find their way to liberty. The U.S.S.R. cannot be erased from the earth or removed from its position at the center of power in the modern world. The survival of mankind may depend upon temperate relations between the Soviet Union and the United States. Both possess unprecedented power to exterminate or to save humanity. Each measures the other's intentions largely in terms of its own particular assumptions and outlook; and the misunderstandings that, not surprisingly, arise could result in disastrous confrontation. Thus, it is vitally important for the West to know as accurately and as completely as possible the thinking and attitudes of those who make policy in the Kremlin. The first part of this book is entitled "The Reluctant Spy" —a title that reflects my feelings about my secret cooperation with the U.S. government. Spying is widely regarded as a less-than-honorable profession; spying for a country other than one's own is, in most cases, an extreme expression of disloyalty. But I have never regarded myself as a spy in the true sense of the word, nor have I felt that I betrayed my people or my country. I have always loved Russia and I v always will. For a relatively short time in my life I worked with the U.S. government to help it better comprehend the objectives and actions of the Soviet regime—a regime I knew well and had grown to hate. That regime, and the system that props it up, is what I "betrayed." Since the book deals with some subjects that are sensitive and current, a few names have been changed and certain sources have not been identified. I do not want to hurt anyone—Soviet or American—whom I respect and who might suffer if his real name were mentioned. This book has been written for the general public. I have tried to explain many things as clearly and simply as possible, something that was often not easy to do, given the complex nature of international relations. I must stress, in this connection, the absolute impossibility of covering fully in a single volume either my personal experiences or every important aspect of the situation and problems of the Soviet Union. It is my intention in the future to do more formal and scholarly studies concerning the U.S.S.R. and the United Nations. I want to express my deepest appreciation to those who helped me write this book. First of all, to my wife, Elaine, whose prodigious assistance and encouragement never failed me. It may sound like a cliché, but it is also the simple truth, to say that without her this work would never have been completed. Although I had published several books and many articles in the Soviet Union, I found it very difficult to write an "American" book. The style and approach suitable for Soviet readers are quite different from what is customary in the English-speaking world, and it was only after several false starts that I finally discovered the key that "turned the lock." Through it all, Elaine remained patient and enthusiastic. I also owe sincere gratitude to my dear friend, William Geimer, whose steady support, wisdom, and judgment were invaluable. In moments of discouragement and setback, Bill was there to put Elaine and me back on track each time. I greatly appreciate the help of my editor, Ashbel Green, vi