for the safety of the wharf -- with the exception of Fernando Pereira, the organisation's photographer. Returing to his cabin to rescue pictures and equipment he was caught in the second explosion and went down with the ship. The incident created an international storm which inflamed still further growing international anger against French activities in the Pacific. With their colonial presence in parts of the South Pacific arousing increasing opposition and French nuclear tests at Mururoa under intense world scrutiny the stage was set for confrontation. Isobelle Gidley and Richard Shears have combined their intimate knowledge of the region with thorough on the spot investigations, revealing a complex and sinister chain of events involving all levels of French government -- from secret service operatives to Defence Minister. This is the first full account of the extraordinary cloak and dagger affair which New Zealand Prime Minister David lange called "an act of international terrorism"." -- Back cover.