Hitler stood up and shuffled round the table, the man who only three years previously had controlled Europe from the Urals in the east to the English Channel. Now, his cheeks were sunken, his jacket appeared too large, and when he took Bormann’s hands, his own shook with palsy. And yet the power was there still and Bormann was moved.

“Anything, my Führer.”

“I knew I could depend on you. The Kamaradenwerk, Action for Comrades.” Hitler shuffled back to his chair. “That is your task, Bormann, to see that the National Socialism survives. We have hundreds of millions in Switzerland and elsewhere in the world in gold in numbered accounts, but you have details of those.”

“Yes, my Führer.”

Hitler reached under his desk and produced a rather strange-looking briefcase, dull silver in appearance. Bormann noted the Kriegsmarine insignia etched in the top right-hand corner.

Hitler flicked it open. “The keys are inside along with a number of items which will prove useful to you over the years.” He held up a buff envelope. “Details of similar accounts in various South American countries and the United States. We have friends in all those places only waiting to hear from you.”

“Anything else, my Führer?”

Hitler held up a large file. “I call this the Blue Book. It contains the names of many members of the British establishment, both in the ranks of the aristocracy and Parliament, who are friendly to our cause. A number of our American friends are there also. And last, but not least,” he passed another envelope across. “Open it.”

The paper was of such quality that it was almost like parchment. It had been written in English in July 1940, in Estoril in Portugal, and was addressed to the Führer. The signature at the bottom was that of his Royal Highness the Duke of Windsor. It was in English and the content was quite simple. He was agreeing to take over the throne of Great Britain in the event of a successful invasion.