Heydrich raised a cautioning finger. ‘There is, however, one vital element which your project lacks.’
‘I don’t understand.’ Von Braun’s voice expressed his puzzlement.
‘In the plan you state that explosives up to a thousand kilograms, and even rocks gathered from the moon’s surface, can be used to bombard an enemy nation. But rocks accelerated to three kilometres per second will only have the destructive force of ten thousand kilos of high explosive.’
Von Braun nodded. ‘That is correct. But…’
Heydrich’s withering glance stilled the interruption. ‘According to my staff, that is insufficient to destroy a broadly based manufacturing economy which is spread across nine point five million square kilometres. In addition, if rocks – which you so cleverly suggested – are used, they must be of a certain size and configuration, otherwise they will burn up like meteors when they strike the earth’s atmosphere. There is, however, a way to raise the destructive potential of your rockets from the moon to something on the order of a hundred thousand kilograms or more of high explosive.’
Heydrich paused and snapped his fingers at the waiter, who rushed forward to refill the brandy glasses. When he had retreated, Heydrich smiled and raised his glass, but did not offer a toast. ‘You gentlemen lack certain vital knowledge. That knowledge, and the means to put it into practice, will be my contribution to our partnership. You see, I am a very fair-minded man.’
Bethwig, tired and still irritated at his friend for having brought someone like Heydrich into their plans, allowed his irritation to override his caution.
‘Herr Heydrich, please stop beating about the bush. What are you trying to tell us?’
It occurred to him that it must have been years since anyone had dared to talk to Heydrich in that manner. The man’s face flushed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed convulsively. His eyes narrowed, and his lips drew together to form a white streak. Bethwig realised at that moment that he was looking at a man who kept his insanity under very careful control.
‘Yes, perhaps I should.’ Heydrich bit out the words. ‘It seems that my attempt to put you at ease has failed, or been rejected.’
‘My apologies,’ Bethwig began, but Heydrich slashed a hand down.
‘Your lunar rocket must have a uranium bomb warhead attached to it. Then it will be as effective as required.’
‘A uranium bomb,’ Bethwig started to exclaim into the shocked silence but caught himself and lowered his voice. ‘Is there really a uranium bomb project?’
Heydrich gave him a thin smile. ‘You see, we can be of service to one another. Yes, there is. It is the most highly classified weapons project in the Reich. Less than two hundred people even know such a project exists. Now, would not a uranium bomb make the perfect warhead for your rocket?’
‘Of course,’ von Braun grinned, ‘if it will be as powerful a weapon as postulated. It would only require one or two demonstration weapons exploded into the ocean to—’
‘Into the ocean? Surely, my dear Wernher, a more severe demonstration would be required. Perhaps a city or two, New York, London….’
‘Well, perhaps… although an explosion in a desert… it might show that we are—’
‘Of course, my dear Wernher.’ Heydrich’s smile was even thinner than before. ‘An excellent suggestion. I will have my staff look into it. The final condition of his defeated enemy must always be a major concern of the victor. They must either be crushed ruthlessly, to the last human soul, or they must be treated with benevolence and kindness. Anything between the two extremes will only allow the vanquished to rise up once more in revenge. Germany herself is a case in point.
‘But to return to the subject at hand.’ Heydrich paused to light a fresh cigar. ‘I am in sympathy with what you gentlemen are attempting to do. With the understanding that military considerations must always take precedence, I am willing to assist you. With my help there will be no more need to indulge in childish and time-wasting – and what could be interpreted in some quarters as criminal – manoeuvrings for materials and equipment. Under my protection there will be no more need to hide requisitions for A-Ten development among the legitimate needs of the A-Four.’ The two scientists exchanged uncomfortable glances. A strict interpretation of the sabotage laws would see them both sentenced to long prison terms, or even executed, if the full extent of their activities in developing the prototype A-10 rocket engine were known.
Heydrich stared at his cigar a moment. ‘I think we understand one another, gentlemen. Do we not?’
Both nodded.
‘Then you will please furnish me with a complete set of your plans and a list of your needs, ranked in order of priority. All costs should be fully detailed, special suppliers designated, and the reason for their selection stated. I will then undertake to see that your needs are met at the earliest opportunity.’ Heydrich paused and chuckled. ‘Even though we will never make public my interest in your project, I think I can assure you that there will be no interference from other, shall we say, interested quarters.’
He paused and tapped the table to rivet their attention. ‘As you are no doubt aware, the generals do not stand high in the Führer’s favour at the moment. The army is now approaching Moscow after having delayed and complained for weeks. Already the weather has worsened. The rains have come early and will soon turn to snow and ice. When that happens, the advantage must inevitably shift to the defenders. In the spring the army may be able to complete its task, but for now the Führer’s disaffection will grow. I am not one who thinks the war will end quickly. If we were to beat Russia, we should have done so by now. The war will be long, and you must give some consideration to your own positions.’
The delicate allusion hung in the air between them, and it was von Braun who broke the silence with a nervous laugh.
‘Are you suggesting we join the SD?’ he asked.
‘It is certainly worth considering. There are a great many advantages. But enough of that.’ Heydrich smiled suddenly. ‘The uranium bomb project is well along. I tell you this in the utmost confidence. Now that Norway is fully occupied, shipments of heavy water, a vital ingredient in its development, have begun. The total quantity of heavy water to be produced in 1942 has been raised to 4500 kilograms. My staff forecasts that it will be ready by late 1944 or early 1945. No matter the outcome in Russia, our greatest enemy will by that time be the United States. Only a blind man could fail to see that. By then we may also have to deal harshly with England, particularly if we do not gain a quick victory in Russia.’
‘You seem quite pessimistic on that score,’ Bethwig commented, searching for safer ground. ‘The predictions are that the war will be won by the end of next summer and that England will be ready to negotiate an armistice.’
‘I admit it. And with what I think is good reason. The Soviet Union has massive reserves of men and resources. They are a strange and insular people who have always contested bitterly any incursion on to their territory. They show a positive genius for defeating invaders, and they have always been willing to make an alliance with anyone who will aid them. That is why I am not surprised that Stalin has concluded a treaty with Churchill.’
‘But perhaps that may work to our advantage,’ Bethwig suggested. ‘Eventually they must fall out. The English fear communism as much as we do.’
Heydrich dismissed the subject with a wave. ‘Perhaps. However, our concern at the moment has to do with the lunar project. I take it we are agreed upon the terms of our partnership, gentlemen?’
Bethwig learned at that moment that Heydrich could and would expound his own theories by the hour but was completely uninterested in those put forward by anyone else. The ultimate ego, he thought, and therefore most treacherous. Nothing and no one but himself would ever matter to Reinhard Heydrich.