Ian Fleming Bond 09 (1961) Thunderball

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area, Area T, is on the northwest slopes ofMount Etna , above the tree
line---that is to say between the altitudes of two thousand and three thousand
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meters. This is an uninhabited and uncultivated area of black lava on the
upper slopes of the volcano more or less above the small town ofBronte . For
the purpose of the drop, an area approximately two kilometers square will be
marked out by the torches of the recovery team. In the center of this area
will be positioned a Decca Aircraft Homing
Signal as an additional navigational aid. The bullion flight, which I estimate
conservatively will consist of five Mark IV Transport Comets, should make
their run in at ten thousand feet at an air speed of three hundred miles per
hour. Having regard to the weight of each consignment, multiple parachutes
will be needed, and, owing to the harsh nature of the terrain, very careful
packing in foam rubber will be essential. The parachutes and the packings
should be coated in Dayglo or some phosphorescent paint to assist recovery. No
doubt --- the man opened his hands--- the SPECTRE memorandum of dropping
instructions will include these and other details, but very careful planning
and coordination by those responsible for the flight will be necessary.
And the recovery team? Blofeld's voice probed softly but with an urgent edge
to it.
The Capo Mafiosi of the district is my uncle. He has eight grandchildren, to
whom he is devoted. I have made it clear that the whereabouts of these
children is known to my associates. The man understood. At the same time, as
instructed, I made him the offer of one million pounds for total recovery and
safe delivery to the depot atCatania . This is a most important sum for the
funds of the Unione. The Capo
Mafiosi agreed to these terms. He understands that the robbery of a bank is in
question. He wishes to know no more. The delay that has been announced will
not affect the arrangements. It will still be within the full-moon period.
Sub-operator 52, is a most capable man. He has been provided with the
Hallicraftor set issued to me for the purpose and he will listen on 18
megacycles in accordance with the
schedule. Meanwhile he remains in touch with the Capo Mafiosi, to whom he is
related by marriage.
Blofeld was silent for a long two minutes. He slowly nodded. I am satisfied.
So far as the next step is concerned, the disposal of the bullion, this will
be in the hands of Sub-operator 201, of whom we have had full experience. He
is a man to be trusted. The M.V. Mercurial will load atCatania and proceed
through theSuez Canal toGoa , in Portuguese India. En route, at a designated
cross-bearing in theArabian
Gulf , she will rendezvous with a merchant ship owned by a consortium of the
chiefBombay bullion brokers. The bullion will be transferred to this ship in
exchange for the equivalent value, at the ruling gold bullion price, in used
Swiss francs, dollars, and bolivars. These large amounts of currency will be
broken up into the allotted percentages and will then be transferred fromGoa
by chartered plane to twenty-two different Swiss banks inZurich , where they
will be placed in deposit boxes. The keys to these numbered boxes will be
distributed to members after this meeting. From that moment on, and subject of
course to the usual security regulations regarding injudicious spending and
display, these deposits will be entirely at the disposal of members.
Blofeld's slow, calm eyes surveyed the meeting. Is this procedure considered
satisfactory?
There were cautious nods. No. 18, Kandinsky, the Polish electronics expert,
spoke up. He spoke without diffidence. There was no diffidence between these
men. This is not my province, he said seriously. But is there not danger
that one of the navies concerned will intercept this ship, the Mercurial , and
remove the bullion? It will be clear to the Western powers that the bullion
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will have to be removed fromSicily . Various patrols of the air and sea would
be an easy matter.
You forget ---Blofeld's voice was patient--- that neither the first, nor if
need be the second, bomb will be rendered safe until the money is in the Swiss
banks. There will be no risk on that score. Nor, another possibility that I
had envisaged, is there likely to be danger of our ship being pirated on the
high seas by some independent operator. I envisage that complete secrecy will
be enforced by the Western powers.
Any leakage would result in panic. Any other questions?
Bruno Bayer, one of the German Section, said stiffly, It is fully understood
that No. 1 will be in immediate control in Area Zeta. Is it correct that he [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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