Topaz - Leon Uris [106]
People were coming to their feet once more.
“Long live France!”
“Long live La Croix!”
He ignored the emotional tide sweeping over the hall, accepting the adoration as normally and rightfully his. He calmly sipped from the water glass, then continued.
“I say to our most powerful ally, I deplore your ambition to rule the world after this war. I deplore your bad manners and gall and your greedy desires to impose your will on the ancient civilizations of Europe. Before this war is over the blood of Frenchmen in the forefront of battle will have established France’s sovereign rights.”
His voice dropped from its pitch to a trembling whisper.... “I weep for the men who die for France. But my heart also bursts with pride. And I shall never be silent to men who plot against my fallen motherland.”
There were tears and screaming and stomping and weeping! La Croix held out his hands for silence like a Christ demanding the waters to part.
“I open my arms to Admiral de St. Amertin! Despite the sin of Vichy, I forgive! But there is only one France! Free France! Join us!”
“To France!” he cried over the hysteria in Albert Hall. “We will free her! We will punish the traitors! And so help me God, we will resume our great and undeniable march to destiny!”
“La Croix!”
“La Croix!”
“La Croix!”
André Devereaux was dazed as a tremor of terror passed through him.
11
AFTER HIS DEVASTATING ALBERT Hall speech, Pierre La Croix and his staff buttoned up in their London headquarters at Carlton Garden to let the Anglo-Americans absorb and remember what he had said.
Two days later the Soviet Ambassador to England, Igor Luvetka, called for an appointment. He arrived at Carlton Garden with “Villard,” a high-ranking member of the French Communist Party who had been brought into England. In addition, “Villard” was one of the chiefs of the FFI, the underground French Forces of the Interior. The Communist wing of FFI was large and powerful and in the forefront of resistance in metropolitan France.
Pierre La Croix summoned a few of his intimate staff, which included Robert Proust and André Devereaux, as he held court for Ambassador Luvetka and “Villard.”
Niceties were exchanged. There were a few perfunctory questions about conditions in France and how the Resistance fared. Then the heart of the matter was reached.
“I have come from France,” the clever and flamboyant “Villard” said, “with certain instructions and resolutions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. I am also authorized to speak for all branches of the FFI. The matter concerns your struggle with Admiral de St. Amertin and the Anglo-Americans.”
La Croix received the statement without expression and nodded for “Villard” to continue.
“Both the Communist Party and the FFI are prepared to declare the acceptance of your authority.”
The meaning of “Villard’s” words was electrifying. In an instant, Pierre La Croix could be given a tremendous new range of power, tipping the political scales. With the FFI preparing his way, the physical takeover of France could be planned. His staff looked to him expectantly. La Croix made no show of being touched or moved but continued to play the cool hand.
“I am certain you have terms to be considered for such recognition,” he said.
It was the Russian, Luvetka, who spoke now. “Comrade Thorez and a number of French Communists were forced to flee to the Soviet Union because of political persecution before the war. We want them fully pardoned and returned to France with honor.”
“For this backing,” “Villard” continued, “we also expect Communist representation on any national committees and that all French Communists in the Free French Forces will be treated with equality.”
“Is that all, gentlemen?”
“Those are the general conditions. The details, numbers, and cooperation with the FFI can be worked out later.”
“I’ll give the matter full consideration. You will be contacted in due course before your return to France.