“The major problem is the Americans and the Germans, Sir, in my judgment.”
“Do you believe the Germans were responsible for th
e assassination of el Coronel Frade?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“El Coronel Perón does not agree with that conclusion.”
“Then I think Coronel Perón is not adequately informed of the circumstances, Sir.”
“One of the first things I want to do is have a look at your file about that.”
“I can get it for you now, Señor, if you wish.”
“Not right now, thank you. But it is available?”
“Yes, Sir, it is.”
“And presumably there is a file about the alleged smuggling attempt by the Germans at Puerto Magdalena?”
“Yes, Sir. But there’s not much concrete in it.”
“I’ve heard a story that two of the three German officers on the beach were killed. Have you heard that?”
“Yes, Sir, and I believe it to be true.”
“And who do you think killed them?”
“I have an opinion, Señor, but no proof.”
“In your opinion, then, who killed them?”
“I believe they were killed at the direction of el Coronel Frade’s son, Señor. Cletus Frade.”
“Who is an agent of the American OSS?”
“Yes, Sir. I believe that to be true.”
“The senior OSS man in Argentina?”
“I’m not sure about that, Sir. The senior OSS man may be the Military Attaché at the U.S. Embassy.”
“The President is very taken with young Frade. He was apparently very useful to him during the execution of Outline Blue. Are you familiar with that?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And he is not only an Argentine citizen, but el Coronel Perón’s godson, which poses certain problems in his regard, does it not?”
“Yes, Sir. Many problems.”
“I’d like to hear what you think those problems are, Coronel.”
Martín had mixed feelings about Cletus Frade.
In other circumstances, he knew they could have been friends. He liked him personally and admired him professionally. One of the very few errors he had made in judging opponents was to conclude that Frade was an amateur intelligence officer, who could easily be controlled by a professional such as himself. Frade had quickly shown him that he had a natural flair for the clandestine.
Unfortunately, friendship was obviously impossible under the circumstances. Inevitably—and sooner rather than later—Frade was going to become embroiled with the Germans in something that might not be in Argentina’s best interests.