The author most probably uses the word "startling" in reference to the Law of Comparative Advantage because:

• A. it is puzzling that no one before Adam Smith thought of the Law
• B. the Law of Comparative Advantage holds even when there is an imbalance in the capabilities of the nations
• C. it is surprising that the general public is unaware of the Law of Comparative Advantage
• D. most countries do not consider the Law of Comparative Advantage when devising their trade policies