John P. Koster

Operation Snow from an informational standpoint, should be a five star read. There are details in this book about World War II that are neatly put together in a way that one would not readily find elsewhere. Indeed, much of the information centers on Mr. White, the Soviet Mole, as you would expect. However, a whole cast of characters comes with his entry, without which he could not have done any of the things he did--and of course history would have been changed drastically.

The reason for the four stars, though, is because the book at times feels a little like a high school essay in the sense that the author is trying to lead the reader into some specific moral conclusions. Mr. Henry White is not really a likeable character in the sense that you know his actions are going to lead directly to the atomic bombing of Japan and cause countless loss of life in addition. Even though it is possible to understand his rejection of his Jewish heritage and his motivation for supporting Russia, there is never a moment where the information presented makes you, as a reader, really LIKE him knowing what is about to follow. Hence, the author would have been safe without plugging in some evangelizing.

Some of the information is a little dated now as well as additional info has emerged. The bottom line though, is that America knew about Pearl Harbor well in advance of Pearl Harbor, and this book tells you the whys and hows concerning the chain of events that culminate in such destruction and loss of life. Even if there is a little moralizing commentary, we can at least understand why.… (meer)

As one who shies away from most conspiracy theories, I hesitated when considering whether or not to read this book. But, seeing it was a relatively short book, I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. John Koster provides a detailed look at pre-WW II Japan, as well as a look at the U.S. government policies toward Japan and China during the time leading up to World War II. What was new to me was the description of Harry Dexter White, a senior U.S. Treasury Department official. According to Koster's research, White was not only an active Soviet spy, but as an individual being in a position of influence within the Government, may have been influential in setting U.S. policy toward Japan. These policies may have been crucial in ultimately forcing Japan into an untenable position, leading Japan to conclude that war with the U.S. was their only option. Recently released FBI and Soviet archives now support the fact that White was in fact a spy, and was apparently interested in forcing war between the U.S. and Japan as a means of ultimately strengthening the Soviet Union. White died before his subversive activities became well known, and only three days after testifying before Congressman Richard Nixon and the House Un-American Activities Committee. His death was attributed to an overdose of heart medication, quite probably a suicide due to his being discovered as a spy. In summary, the book presents a good look at pre-war attitudes and policy toward Japan, some new insights into the attack on Pearl Harbor, and a new look at some of the underlying causes of the war.
… (meer)