their rights of assembly, frequently producing marches on Washington, where men and women harangue their followers from platforms and -how is it said? oh, yes-the 'soapboxes." Many of both your countries' statutes allow such displays of antigovernment displeasure. Are we then to silence everyone who disagrees with Bonn, including those who crowd the squares against the neo Nazis
"No, goddammit!" roared Latham.
"But you do silence them' We didn't create concentration camps, or gas chambers, or the genocide of an entire people. You bastards did that, not us!"
"Again in our shame we permitted it .. . just as you permitted the enslaving of an entire people and stood by while black men were hanged from ten thousand trees in your Southern states, and the French did much the same in Equatorial Africa and their Far East colonies. There is both horror and decency in all of us. In all our histories."
"That's not only nonsense, Heinrich, it doesn't apply here, and you know it," said Ambassador Courfland with surprising authority.
"I know it because I've read your book. You called it 'the perspective of historical realities." What was perceived to be the truths of the times. You can't justify the Third Reich in such terms."
"I never did, Daniel," rejoined Kreitz.
"I strenuously condemned the Reich for creating false truths, all too acceptable to a devastated nation. The Teutonic mythology was a narcotic that a weak, disillusioned, famished people plunged irrationally into their veins.
Did I not write that?"
"Yes, you did," acknowledged the American ambassador, nodding.
"Let's say I just wanted to remind you."
"Your point is well taken. However, as you must protect the interests of Washington, I have my obligations to
Bonn.. .. So where are we? We all want the same thing."
I suggest, Monsieur I'Ambassadeur," said Moreau, getting up from the couch, "that you allow me to put under surveillance a number of the upper-level attach&s at your embassy."
"Beyond the intrusion of a host government on a diplomatic level, what can that serve? I know them all. They're decent, hardworking men and women, well trained and trustworthy."
"You cannot really know that, monsieur. The evidence is beyond debate: There is an organization here in Paris dedicated to the new Nazi movement. All the signs indicate that it may well be the central organization outside of Germany, conceivably as important as the one inside your country, for it can operate beyond German laws, German eyes. Further, it has been all but confirmed, lacking only the specifics of transfer, that millions upon millions are being funneled to the movement by way of France, no doubt through the efforts of this organization whose origins may go back fifty years.
So you see, Monsieur I'Ambassadeur, we have a situation that goes beyond narrow diplomatic traditions."
"I'd need the approval of my government to give you that, of course."
""Of course," agreed Moreau.
"Information of a financial nature could be relayed over our secure channels by someone on the embassy staff to those here in Paris who are aiding these psychopaths," said Kreitz pensively.
"I see what you mean, as disturbing as it is.. .. Very well, I'll give you an answer later in the day." Heinrich Kreitz turned to Drew Latham.
"My. government will, of course, absorb all costs for the damages you sustained, Herr Latham."
"Just get us the cooperation we need, or your government will be responsible for damages you could never pay for," said Drew.
"Again."
"He's not here!" cried Giselle Villier over the telephone.
"Monsieur Moreau of the Deuxieme Bureau was here four hours ago and told us about the horrible things that happened to you and Henri Bressard last night, and -my husband appeared to accept his instructions not to interfere. maintenance, mon Dieu, you know actors! They can convincingly say anything and your ears and your eyes believe them even while they're thinking something entirely different. "
"Do you know where he is?" asked Drew.
"I know where he isn't, monsieur! After Moreau left, he seemed resigned, and told me he was going to the theater for an understudy rehearsal. He said-and he's said it many times before-that his presence at such rehearsals lends enthusiasm to the minor players.
I never thought to doubt him, then Henri called from the Quai d'Orsay, insisting that he talk with Jean-Pierre. So I told him to call the theater-"
"He wasn't there," interrupted Latham.
"Not only was he not there, the understudy rehearsal isn't today, but tomorrow!"
"Youthink he went on with his own plans, as he described them last night?"
"I'm sure of it, and I'm frightened to death."
"Maybe you don't have to be. The