Paperback, in-8, 303 pp., illustrations, bibliographical notes, bibliography, index.

A comprehensive historical account of the forced repatriation of Soviet citizens from Western Europe back to the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. The book explores the controversial Operation Keelhaul, where the Allies, under the Yalta Agreement, returned millions of Soviet citizens to Joseph Stalin, many of whom were executed or sent to labour camps. Bethell's work is a detailed investigation into this little-known episode of the Cold War, offering a poignant exploration of political decisions and their tragic human consequences. It combines meticulous research with personal testimonies, shedding light on the moral complexities of war and diplomacy.

See Art. 1 of the Agreement in Yalta on 11/2/1945:
Article 1
All Soviet citizens liberated by the forces operating under United States command and all United States citizens liberated by the forces operating under Soviet command will, without delay after their liberation, be separated from enemy prisoners of war and will be maintained separately from them in camps or points of concentration until they have been handed over to the Soviet or United States authorities, as the case may be, at places agreed upon between those authorities.

United States and Soviet military authorities will respectively take the necessary measures for protection of camps, and points of concentration from enemy bombing, artillery fire, etc.