The Dardanelles Conspiracy by Alan Bardos (best ereader for pc TXT) 📗

before he could make his report. He’d put himself in harm’s way for no reason.

De Robeck and the navy contingent sounded their agreement. They had made their sacrifice and now it was the army’s turn.

‘Landing troops against prepared positions has never been attempted before. Unfortunately, we have lost the element of surprise. We must therefore create our own sense of surprise and take a bloody good jump at the enemy, landing right on them with both feet.’

Roger Keyes slapped the table approvingly. ‘Hear-hear.’

‘In essence, my intention is to throw the enemy off balance though a series of faints and dummies, to mask the real landings. Creating so much confusion that the Boche won’t know whether they’re coming or going.

‘I need time to plan such a landing. I therefore propose we delay any further operations and make preparation in Alexandria while a base of operation is established on Lemnos.’ Hamilton turned to de Robeck.

‘Agreed. The First Lord will not be happy about the delay, but the Admiralty will side with the decision of the men on the spot,’ de Robeck said closing the meeting.

Sir George was astounded. Between them de Robeck and Hamilton had just changed the whole nature of the campaign, without consulting London. He could well imagine Churchill’s reaction to the ending of naval operations and the delay in any further action, but that was no longer Sir George’s concern. He was clear on what his role should be as he approached Hamilton. This was now the place where reputations would be won and lost. ‘Sir Ian, might I have a word?’

‘Oh Smyth, I thought you’d run away to sea.’ Hamilton said.

‘I have been aboard the Queen Elizabeth at my station, Sir Ian, and have made a number of observations on the inner defences of the Straits. Might I say I am in total agreement with your findings for the coming landings,’ Sir George said as formally as he could while the world swayed around him. ‘The Straits are quite impracticable…’

‘Yes, well never mind that now, you better fall in with us. There’s work to be done and we’re still abysmally short-staffed,’ Hamilton said cheerfully, and Sir George became overwhelmed with relief. Unable to control himself any longer, he made his excuses and started to push through the crowds to the lavatory.

‘Peculiar chap, reeks of gin,’ Sir George heard an aide comment. ‘Vile drink, only fit for whores and sailors.’

‘He should feel right at home where we’re going then,’ Hamilton said jovially. Sir George didn’t care. He was off the sea monster. It was all so desperately unfair that he’d been reduced to this by Swift and his inability to transact a simple bribe.

***

Esther Weisz held her dignity while Talat Pasha smiled slyly. His strong face a perfect façade of calm as he exhaled the disgusting stench of Turkish tobacco into his study.

‘Excellency, I am here on behalf of the British government.’

Talat planted his wrists firmly on his desk in response, letting her know that he was not subject to the will of the British Government. The mood of the whole city felt wonderfully light now that the imminent threat from the Allied fleet had been averted. Esther therefore did not find it surprising that Talat was no longer interested in making a deal, of any kind.

‘I have been asked to convey the apologies of the British government for any inconvenience caused by the earlier negotiations.’

‘Now they have been defeated they send you here to negotiate for them,’ Talat said, letting his distaste show.

‘As we are acquainted and I assisted with the previous negotiations, it was thought convenient to use me.’

‘I see, you were simply expedient to the will of my enemies, Miss Weisz.’

Esther ignored Talat’s manner and persevered. ‘Would you be willing to meet with the British representatives, Excellency?’

‘Please, Miss Weisz, how could I ever trust the British Government to honour any future terms after they went back on our previous arrangement?’ Talat stared with dark, shark-like eyes and kept his huge wrists planted on his desk.

‘I've been instructed to tell you that the British are willing to meet any price you care to name,’ Esther said.

‘Yes, I'm sure, now they will offer me the world.’

Esther held his stare. She was obliged to see this sham through. ‘I can assure you that their intentions are genuine. This offer comes directly from the British Cabinet.’

Talat lost patience and stood up. ‘Miss Weisz, I understand that you are doing well out of your railway concession and I imagine that you would wish to continue to do so.’

He left the rest of the threat unspoken and opened the door. It had been a humiliating audience, but she’d had to try for dear Laszlo if nothing else.

Chapter 38

Sir George was appalled by the depravity of his Headquarters office. The revolting decor was a far cry from his refined Chancery office in the Paris Embassy.

The premises even lacked proper sanitation and the stench of sewage was barely masked by carbolic soap. There was of course no electricity and the building was lit by candles stuck on scrap paper. Sir George hoped that would at least give a suitably gothic atmosphere to the interview he was about to conduct and put his guest on edge.

No matter how disgusting he found his present conditions, that paled in comparison with the task he was about to perform. Sir George would however put his personal feelings aside, for the greater good, nothing short of his career was at stake.

He signalled to an orderly and Johnny Swift sauntered in, under guard. Sir George was glad to see that at least his devil may care attitude had been ruffled by his time away.

‘Welcome to Alexandria, Swift,’ Sir George said graciously and signalled for the guard to leave. ‘I trust you are in good health after