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SEA OF SHADOWS 197
“I’m afraid that I can’t shed much light on the first question. Analysts
from the Pentagon and the Naval War College have been over the
available data in detail, and they are no closer to knowing who pulled the
trigger first. And, since both countries have denied initiating the
hostilities, it seems likely that we will never know who fired first.
“But I can answer the second question. HMS York and HMS Chatham
were conducting a naval blockade against four submarines of the German
Navy. And they were carrying out that blockade at my request.”
The room broke into an uproar of voices as the journalists leapt to their
feet and began shouting questions. A male voice cut through it all. “Mr.
President, can you tell us about the attack on USS Kitty Hawk?”
The president held up a hand and waited for silence. It was several
minutes in coming. Only when it became clear that he was not going to
say another word until order was restored did the journalists take their
seats.
Eventually, the president nodded. “I asked Prime Minister Irons to
blockade the Strait of Gibraltar to prevent the passage of the German
submarines. I made the decision to do so on the basis of compelling
evidence that the government of Germany intends to deliver those
submarines, and other high-tech weaponry, to the Middle Eastern nation of
Siraj, in clear violation of international law and standing United Nations
sanctions.”
Once again the press corps erupted into a clamor of confused questions.
And, once again, the president held up his hand and waited for silence.
“As I mentioned, we have compelling evidence of Germany’s
intentions,” he said finally, “and we have made arrangements to deliver
that evidence to the United Nations Security Council. I am confident that,
upon reviewing the evidence, the UN will take appropriate action to
prevent the German government from arming a nation known to support
terrorists.
“Unfortunately, the wheels of international diplomacy turn slowly. By
the time the United Nations can react to this situation, Germany’s first
shipments of military hardware will have reached their destinations in
Siraj.” The president paused for a second to let his words sink in.
“Abdul al-Rahiim styles himself as the president of Siraj, but the world
knows better. You and I know better. Abdul al-Rahiim is a dictator and a
tyrant. He is a lawless brute who rules by violence and by the threat of
violence. He has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to use military
force against his neighboring countries and against the very people he
claims to govern.