The most important new element in this latest book is some investigation of what it all looked like from the Soviet side. Here I acknowledge a deep debt to a new colleague in Viktor Suvorov, from whose experience and advice I have profited greatly. His own first book, The Liberators (he commanded a motor rifle company in the 'liberation' of Czechoslovakia in 1968), already published, demands attention. He has another book coming out soon.
I am also deeply indebted to Vladimir Bukovsky, a man who in the non-communist world rightly commands enormous respect. The advice he has given me has been most valuable. His own book To Build a Castle: My Life as a Dissenter, is of profound importance.
I have also to thank one of the wisest and kindest of men in Lord Caradon, a very old friend, who gave good counsel and helped us particularly over the Middle East.
I owe more gratitude than I can say to the patience of my wife in putting up with the domestic commotion caused by the creation of this book. I am also deeply indebted to Mrs Carole Beesley, without whose cheerful and efficient help it could hardly have been finished, and to my daughter Elizabeth, whose assistance was crucial. To Jane Heller, finally, of Sidgwick and Jackson, more thanks are owed than any of us in the team could adequately express.
Having said all that I have to add that, although a good many hands have shared in the preparation of this book, the responsibility for anything that may be found wrong with it rests with me.
J. W. Hackett
Coberley Mill, Gloucestershire February 1982