In 1985, Mowat tried to enter the United States for a book tour, and experienced trouble with the U.S. immigration authorities. He was given no reason for being denied entry, and his attempts to find out the reason resulted in a classic run-around. He eventually learned that his name appeared in the “Lookout book” maintained by immigration officials to keep out subversives. Apparently he was believed to represent a threat to the country’s national security due to his environmentalist writings… Mowat’s troubles generated considerable public ridicule aimed at the authorities. The book contains many quotes from letters and articles by the public and press who supported him. The ban was eventually lifted and Mowat was allowed to see his file, which revealed that he was barred due to an old security dossier supplied to the USA by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
