“Yes, I know of Metgethen Herr Knocke, and I am truly sorry for your loss, but you know as well as I do that Nazi Germany could not have been allowed to stand, and that the Western Allies could not have fought alongside a nation driven by Hitler and his band. I have been to a quiet but dreadful place called Natzwiller-Struhof, where the reasons for the need to remove Nazism were made very clear to me by my own eyes There are other, much more awful places I have not seen but about which I have heard nightmare stories. The people of a nation always pay the price of the policies laid down by its politicians and undoubtedly Germany has suffered much in that regard, that is true.”
Lavalle placed an envelope he had been holding gently on top of the folder.
“Surely Herr Knocke, you must see that the best hope of salvation for your homeland, your Fatherland, lies with a joint approach to prevent the spread of communism westwards. What happened at Metgethen is still unclear but what I do know is that none of us wants that to be visited upon any other village, town or city. That surely must be something for you to consider? It is too late for you to act in preservation of your own family, but you can assist in protecting the rest of your country, and in so doing, preserve mine too. You have skills and knowledge which may become much in need.”
Such a speech required a considered response and so Knocke paused to order his thoughts before replying.
“Again, I have to say that a lot is expected with little information to go on. I will grant you that we may no longer be active enemies but don’t expect that a political end to the war will just make our enmities go away over night.”
Lavalle assessed Knocke’s response as much in his poise and tone as in his words. It was obvious to Knocke that the Frenchman’s mind was working out the next move. It was equally obvious when the decision was reached.
“You have said enough for me to go further.”
Lavalle took up the envelope that had appeared in his hands previously.
“I am permitted to show you this document and solely request that if you do not wish to be associated with the project outlined in it, that you do not speak of it further. I am empowered to make certain threats in that regard but out of professional courtesy, my understanding of their pointlessness in your case,” he looked Knocke directly in the eye to stress his earnestness, “And through personal choice, I do not. I will ask for your word as an officer.”
Knocke digested the words and understood that in Lavalle he was encountering a soldier such as himself. Between two such men, honour still had a place.
“That is given Herr Oberst.”
The envelope changed hands and Knocke read the title.
“Colloque? This means what exactly Colonel?”
“Ah, apologies Herr Knocke, my error. In your language, it would say symposium. “
A few moments pause which hid a burst of deep thinking by Knocke, ended solely by a softly spoken “Danke” as he extracted the contents, one translation set in German, the original in French, reading slowly and without expression.
Once finished Knocke obviously saw the signatories authorising the symposium, checked the original French copy and looked directly into Lavalle’s eyes, uttering a soft “Mein Gott”. He then re-read the entire four pages three times before returning them to the envelope and handing it back to an expectant Lavalle whose cigarette packet once more disgorged two cigarettes.
“Are you aware of the contents of that document Herr Oberst?” Knocke asked in a way that almost defied the contents to be true.
“I am, as I typed the German language translation you have just read, and so miserably failed to place a proper translation on its cover, for which I apologise again. I do not profess to fully understand the words I wrote, nor their implications for France, Germany, Europe, or you for that matter Herr Knocke.”
Gentle nodding of the head acknowledged acceptance of Lavalle’s comment and then Knocke merely closed his eyes and withdrew into thought, his fingertips extended against each other, as was his want when deep in contemplation of a problem.
Obviously much was rattling and rumbling through Knocke’s head so Lavalle wisely decided to let him work through the dilemma without interruption.
The wait was interminable.
Another cigarette was lit and Lavalle placed his pack and lighter within reach of Knocke but said nothing, not wishing to interrupt him in such deep thought.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Knocke nodded to himself almost imperceptibly, his eyes opened, and he looked directly into Lavalle’s, who once again felt the power driving the man.
“I will not do anything that will go against the wishes and needs of my country or my comrades but I will, in principle, concede that the menace of communism is one that we would be better fighting together rather than separately. Your timing is less than impeccable for me as a German, this you will understand”
Lavalle’s subtle inclination of the head said all that could be said on that matter, and he gestured to his cigarettes.
“Danke Herr Oberst” and Knocke took and lit one swiftly, drawing in the pungent smoke before continuing.
“I confess to being intrigued by the concept outlined and can see probable benefits for my country. If I commit to this largely unknown exercise will I be permitted to leave and return here if it contradicts my beliefs or values?”
“To that I can give a qualified yes Herr Knocke. I am told that you, any of you, will not be forced to do anything that you do not agree with and that anything you do will be entirely voluntary. I cannot guarantee that you would return here in the event that you quit the group.”
After the briefest moment to digest that reply Knocke responded, “In which case, on the limited information you give me and on that understanding, combined with the contents of that document and the signatory, I accept.”
“Then we would please ask that you do not speak of this, except to the six men whom you will select to fulfil the criteria within that document, and even then, we would ask that you tell them as little as necessary to induce them to attend. Please appraise Colonel Frisson as soon as you have your men and he will make the arrangements for them to be interviewed. Please understand the criteria that we have for such matters and do not request to employ someone who would be unacceptable to us, no matter what their credentials.”
“I understand perfectly. Firstly I will need eight and I request two named men who are not within this camp if they remain alive?”
“We anticipated this so yes you may on both counts.” Lavalle pushed forward a pencil and a notepad. “Please put their names and units down there so we may investigate as to their whereabouts. We can offer no guarantees but if they are alive and satisfy the criteria then we will do our best. The British are not being too helpful at this time unfortunately”
A swift eight lines of script and the notebook and pencil were back in Lavalle’s possession.
“There are the names of all the officers I will require for this undertaking Herr Oberst.”
Both men stood and exchanged a natural and respectful handshake before Knocke was returned to his comrades.
“I always wanted to visit Biarritz in happier times. Hopefully the war has not left too deep a mark upon it?”
Lavalle deflected the obvious probe.
“There was little left unmarked in the war as both of us know too well. Goodbye and good luck Herr Knocke.”
“Auf wiedershein, Oberst Lavalle” was Knocke’s well-timed final statement as he disappeared from sight.
Lavalle smiled to himself and wondered how the German had acquired that piece of information. He immediately vowed that if he ever met Knocke again, he would never underestimate him. Not that he would meet him again, for Knocke was now, officially, in a very different world to his own.