World Notes Emigres

His name, evidently, is Vladimir Leontev. But to Britons who followed his case, the Soviet emigre became better known as "the sleeping Russian," or "the Red in bed." About a month ago, Leontev arrived in Britain from France, where he had been granted refugee status in 1978. A day after his arrival, his moped collided with two automobiles and Leontev was taken to Hemel Hempstead General Hospital. He was later released to face charges stemming from the traffic accident. Authorities were also curious about some $36,000 in French francs found in his possession.

At the courthouse, Leontev appeared to pass out. He was returned to the hospital, where he remained "unconscious" for about two weeks, reportedly nibbling at food only when no one was looking. One day, he unexpectedly sat up and demanded fresh air, cotton pajamas and a young lady to read him the poetry of Lord Byron. If his demands were not met, he warned, he would slip back into % unconsciousness. Concluded Hospital Administrator Frances Shanahan: "He's a nuisance." At week's end hospital officials shipped Leontev to Calais, where a French official observed, "I think he is a little weak in the head."