“But what does he want with a publishing firm?” Chavasse asked.

“I’m coming to that,” Sir George told him. “If the letter is to be believed, Bormann has written his memoirs and wants them published.”

“With Muller acting as middleman?” Chavasse said. “But why hasn’t he tried a German publisher? I should have thought that such a book would have been an even bigger sensation over there than in England.”

“Apparently, Muller did just that,” Sir George said. “Unfortunately, he chose the wrong publishers. He wrote them a similar letter and, within hours, had the Nazi underground hot on his trail. According to Muller, in what might be described as an extremely illuminating manner, Bormann has written about many people in Germany who up to now have always affirmed that they never really supported Hitler. Very important people, I might add. He even deals with Nazi sympathizers here in England, and includes a chapter on the man who was prepared to act as our Quisling in 1940, when the German invasion was expected.”

Chavasse whistled softly. “Does he give any names in the letter?”

Sir George shook his head. “No, he simply states that he has the manuscript and that it is handwritten by Bormann himself – a fact which can of course be verified – and that there is only one copy. Needless to say, the sum of money he mentioned was rather large.”

“I’ll bet it was,” Chavasse said. “If only the poor fool realized it, he’s carrying a time bomb around with him.” He turned to the Chief. “I haven’t worked in Germany for nearly three years. How strong are the Nazis now?”

“A lot stronger than most people realize,” the Chief said. “Ever since the German government set up the Office for the Detection of War Crimes at Ludwigsburg, it’s been engaged in a battle of wits with the Nazi underground. Senior ex-SS officers have managed to infiltrate into the police. Because of this, the Nazi intelligence service has been able to warn a number of former SS camp officials who were about to be arrested. This has given many of them a chance to escape to the United Arab Republic.”