Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [84]
“Like you, Mr. Prime Minister,” Burkmeister responded, “we are shocked by events in Saudi Arabia and the threatening position taken by King Mustafa, but we have not yet formulated an official position.”
“I understand your caution, Mr. President, but we do not have the luxury of time for debate. Allow me to summarize our preparations so far.” Rather abruptly, Prime Minister Nachum rattled off the countermeasures Israel had already taken.
“I understand your concern, Prime Minister Nachum, and I stand by you in maintaining the highest readiness for defense. I only ask that you refrain from any immediate actions against Saudi Arabia until we can sort things out. A premature strike on your part might cause them to detonate dirty bombs in the Ghawar or other major oil fields, and the loss of this oil would cause the economic engines of the world to grind to a halt. We can’t let that happen,” Burkmeister said firmly.
“Does this mean you are not willing to come to Israel’s support in our greatest hour of need, Mr. President?”
“Of course not, Mr. Prime Minister, that’s not what I mean at all. But you must agree that a preemptive strike by Israel under these conditions would result not only in disastrous retaliation against Israel, but also a chain of events that could destroy the global economy. We need time to better understand what we’re up against before committing to a course of action.”
“This does not give me a good feeling, Mr. President. Israel will not stand idly by while the Western powers ruminate over policy. Israel is at grave risk. At a distance of less than fifteen minutes from a nuclear bombardment from Saudi Arabia, we do not have the luxury of waiting for long.”
Irritated by Nachum’s posturing, Burkmeister was about to respond when the agitated Prime Minister added a curt interjection.
“Mr. President, I am most sorry about your health, and as I know you will be turning over leadership to Vice President McCarty, I would like to ask for his position on the situation. Mr. Vice President, how do you think this should be handled?”
Burkmeister seethed at Nachum’s undisguised end-run, even though he appreciated the tremendous pressure Nachum must now be under. He nodded to Clayton nonetheless.
“Of course, Mr. Prime Minister, that’s a fair question. The president and I are of one mind on this. First, we support you and have no intention of letting Israel go under. We’ll do whatever is in our power to dissuade other nations from severing diplomatic relationships with Israel. You may also rest assured the terrorist government in Saudi Arabia will pay dearly for any attacks on Israel.
“Having said that, all bets are off if Israel attempts any unilateral action against the Saudi government without our express agreement. That’s the deal. You trust us and play ball with us up-front, and we’ll be there for you. But if you go it alone and, in the process, jeopardize the well-being of all nations, you cannot count on any support from this government. Am I clear on that, Mr. Prime Minister?”
Burkmeister winced at McCarty’s directness but couldn’t disagree with the message. Perhaps it was important to set the tone early on for what might be expected from the new administration.
“Is that a threat, Mr. Vice President?” asked the prime minister, sounding like he had been slapped in the face.
“Of course not, Mr. Prime Minister,” McCarty replied in a polite but firm voice. “You asked me an honest question, and I gave you an honest answer. The stakes are too high to screw around with diplomatic niceties, and it is critical that you know where the boundary lines lie. President Burkmeister may differ with me, and of course he calls the shots, but that is my personal reaction to the situation and your question.”
“We’re both in total agreement on this, Mr. Prime Minister,” Burkmeister interjected. “Now, if we can get beyond this, let’s talk strategy.”
Both parties settled down, and a thirty-minute discussion followed on strategy and tactics. The Americans