Tells a true story about Berlin in 1948. Other chapters introduce a spy who adds a good deal of further excitement.

"At the outbreak of the war, in 1939, over thirty independent states spanned the European continent. As the Nazi war machine advanced across Europe, consuming almost everything in its wake, only five - Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland - preserved their sovereignty and protected their populations from devastation. These were the "neutral" nations of the Second World War, which survived through a combination of strategy and sheer luck, and continual, strained negotiations with the Axis and Allies." "Neutrality, in practice, often meant accommodating warring neighbors and appeasing the ascendant power. Until Germany lost its edge in 1942, it threatened invasion to exact costly compromises: Switzerland complied with press censorship and granted the Germans access to Italy via their Alpine tunnels; Sweden permitted transport of Nazi troops and war materiel to the Norwegian front. Spain's and Portugal's rightwing dictators paid homage to Hitler, and Franco went so far as to send Spanish soldiers to the Russian front. The Republic of Ireland, fearing British occupation as much as Nazi attack, maintained relations with the Germans, isolating themselves from the rest of the English-speaking world, and inviting accusations from the Allies of complicity with the enemy." "Were these the policies of courageous leaders wishing to spare the lives of innocent citizens? Or, as the Allies alleged, cynical positions that prolonged the carnage? Jerrold M. Packard explores the ethical implications of the politics of neutrality, as he vividly evokes the complex forces at work during this tumultuous period." "Here are stories of individual heroism and cowardice on a grand scale, dramatic rescues and mass slaughter, diplomacy and espionage. In this first comprehensive popular treatment of the subject, Jerrold M. Packard re-creates the war of the neutral powers, and the personalities who shaped the events, from Winston Churchill and Eamon de Valera to Raoul Wallenberg and Allen Dulles."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

"At the outbreak of the war, in 1939, over thirty independent states spanned the European continent. As the Nazi war machine advanced across Europe, consuming almost everything in its wake, only five - Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland - preserved their sovereignty and protected their populations from devastation. These were the "neutral" nations of the Second World War, which survived through a combination of strategy and sheer luck, and continual, strained negotiations with the Axis and Allies." "Neutrality, in practice, often meant accommodating warring neighbors and appeasing the ascendant power. Until Germany lost its edge in 1942, it threatened invasion to exact costly compromises: Switzerland complied with press censorship and granted the Germans access to Italy via their Alpine tunnels; Sweden permitted transport of Nazi troops and war materiel to the Norwegian front. Spain's and Portugal's rightwing dictators paid homage to Hitler, and Franco went so far as to send Spanish soldiers to the Russian front. The Republic of Ireland, fearing British occupation as much as Nazi attack, maintained relations with the Germans, isolating themselves from the rest of the English-speaking world, and inviting accusations from the Allies of complicity with the enemy." "Were these the policies of courageous leaders wishing to spare the lives of innocent citizens? Or, as the Allies alleged, cynical positions that prolonged the carnage? Jerrold M. Packard explores the ethical implications of the politics of neutrality, as he vividly evokes the complex forces at work during this tumultuous period." "Here are stories of individual heroism and cowardice on a grand scale, dramatic rescues and mass slaughter, diplomacy and espionage. In this first comprehensive popular treatment of the subject, Jerrold M. Packard re-creates the war of the neutral powers, and the personalities who shaped the events, from Winston Churchill and Eamon de Valera to Raoul Wallenberg and Allen Dulles."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Britain's premier historian on France from Caesar to Mitterrand - to coincide with the centenary of the Entente Cordiale A century after the Entente Cordiale ended centuries of war and enmity between France and Britain, and two hundred years after the coronation of Britain's deadly enemy, Napoleon Bonaparte, as Emperor, Alistair Horne contemplates two thousand years of France. The Entente Cordiale meant different things to the signatories. For France it meant, quite simply, the certainty at last of an ally who would counter-balance the dread power of Kaiser Wilhelm II's vast and menacing Reich on her doorstep. For Britain the Entente signified an end to centuries of conflict with France, but it also meant inevitable involvement in a major European war. The modern rift over the Iraq war has emphasized once again that a slim channel of water may be all that separates the countries physically, but in temperament, in attitudes, in life generally -- and, particularly, in history itself -- the differences remain fundamental, and intense.

Mirror of Fortune: Journey of Dr. A. Shanker by Dr. A. Shanker: Embark on a captivating journey through the inspiring life of Dr. A. Shanker as he shares his personal memoir, offering profound insights into his achievements, challenges, personal growth, and reflections that serve as a motivating story of overcoming obstacles and pursuing success. This book ‘Mirror of Fortune’ is such an instrument to know the circumstances and conditions of life through astrology that leads to recognizing the signs of favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Those who believe in and practice Jyotish, need it at every step. Yet, sometimes when a person with dexterity in this sphere is not found, people have to face serious problems. In today’s life, those having insufficient knowledge and who have traveled frequently and stayed in jungles and deserts too face difficulties. The sphere of astrology is very wide. One should have mastery over its different aspects to comprehend satisfactorily. Unless and until one attains deep knowledge and expertise his sincerity and honesty remain dubious. Meanwhile, whatever I could gain through my study and experience I have put together in this book. I take no pride in doing so as I am not an erudite scholar who is presenting his views to impress readers of his merits and accomplishments. To me, there is no difference between fame and the sun on a rainy day.