My library's Russia section compares favourably with anyone's, Ken. From the first English translations of the first Five Year Plans to reporting from there during the Cold War, Russians as neighbours and correspondents for years.

Learned first hand how our operatives were conducting wet operations against German spies in NYC before US opened its eyes, and their operations for the security of Canada after the war.

I was introduced to my first undercover agent at age nine, (asked him if I could help him catch spies!) and later the agent who covered Dad before I was born became a close friend.

The name Lenin gave me a reporting edge in more than a few countries and was no impediment during forays into the US during McCarthyism. Your CIA knew who I was from favours provided when Canadians had greater access to authorities---and prisons---in the Caribbean.

Thank you for the offers.