That Last Mountain [antikvár]

AUTHOR'S NOTE Few people are aware that the Americans' much-publicised plans to develop Star Wars space-defence technology were, in fact, initiated in response to the surprise discovery that the Soviet Union was already close to deploying various land-based systems. It sent shockwaves through the US defence circles, because the existence of such systems would upset the entire international balance of power, affecting strategic planning and negotiations between the super-powers on arms reduction for years to come. Imagine then the importance of a defecting Soviet scientist able to verify the capabilities of Moscow's space-beam technology. Importance to the Soviet Union that he should be returned, or prevented from ever talking. Importance to the West that he should succeed in his defection - at almost any cost. Imagine the lengths that both sides would go to in order to succeed. To win or lose the most important military secrets since the advent of the atom bomb . . . The events that unfold in this story present an authentic account of exactly what might happen. And the pressures that are brought to bear are not exaggerated. They are frighteningly real. I am indebted to many people for their help in piecing together the likely scenario and the reactions of the various parties: the British diplomatic community in Stockholm; the office of the Swedish prime minister; journalists Erik Manson and Leif Brannstrom of Ex-