Vengeance 10

Bethwig began to read the sheet of double-spaced typing, but the accusations were so absurd that he had to start over again and read each sentence deliberately, like a lawyer. It bluntly accused von Braun of complicity in the plot that had resulted in the murder of Reinhard Heydrich by English espionage agents. Further, von Braun was accused of diverting scarce raw materials to his own ends, and establishing liaison with an enemy foreign power to destroy the German Reich. When he finished reading, he placed it back on the desk.

‘These charges are patently ridiculous. This entire document is the work of an incompetent ass.’ Bethwig was both calm and assured, and Himmler was clearly surprised, having expected either fearful denial or indignant argument.

‘An ass?’ He pushed his chair back and half swivelled away, only to spin back immediately. ‘That indictment was prepared by an officer of the Gestapo. How dare you call him an ass?’

‘Because he is.’ Bethwig stared at the Reichsführer, thinking of what had happened the last time he had challenged a high security official. ‘Wernher von Braun is one of the brightest and most loyal scientists in Germany. There is not one shred of truth in these accusations. Perhaps, Herr Reichsführer, the man who composed this is your real traitor.’

Himmler’s face flushed. ‘How dare you insult one of the finest officers of the State Police…?’

‘How dare he insult one of Germany’s finest scientists?’ Bethwig shot back. ‘Your man has disrupted a carefully thought out plan of research that can make Germany impregnable. The very man Doktor von Braun is accused of murdering commissioned this project and took an active interest in its development, with the express permission of the Führer.’

Himmler stood up and came around the desk. Bethwig could see that he was barely controlling his temper. ‘And that, Herr Bethwig, is the only reason I agreed to speak with you at all. Reinhard Heydrich was a close personal friend of mine. I was aware of his interest in the work being done at Peenemunde. I do not mind saying that he was so excited by it that I was obliged to counsel him against overeagerness. He, of course, was convinced that his plan was correct and chose to ignore my counsel.’ Himmler turned away then and paced around the desk.

‘That was his choice. But he is dead now, murdered in a conspiracy organised and directed by British intelligence. In a routine review of the circumstances the name of your friend von Braun came up. It was noted that he travels freely about Europe in a private aircraft, has access to the highest state secrets, and, in the past, has had contact with a British secret agent. As recently as 1938, if memory serves.’

Himmler held up a hand to forestall Bethwig’s protest. ‘You should know that less than eighteen months ago this same British agent was active at a factory in Liege, Belgium, which produces parts used in your experiments at Peenemunde. We know that this agent had direct contact with the criminal Belgian underground, members of which were also employed at the factory. Our investigations show that your von Braun has visited this factory several times.’

Bethwig felt his temper rising and drew a deep, if concealed, breath. Himmler was watching his reaction, his bright, protruding eyes staring fixedly.

‘Of course Wernher visits the factory. As I do. When Wernher last met this man, we were not aware that he was a British spy. I say “we”, as I also met the man. We learned his identity from a Gestapo officer a day later. That officer, the man who arrested von Braun, was sitting in the same room that night and did not think it important enough to warn us at the time. In fact, he waited until the man had slipped away before doing so. Now he claims — and I have no doubt that the one who prepared this indictment is that same officer — the encounter was of sufficient importance to implicate Doktor von Braun in a plot to murder his sponsor, Reichsprotektor Heydrich. I say it is nonsense and would not be permitted in any German court of law!’

Himmler walked behind his desk again and stood tapping his fingers on the wood. ‘Young man, you clearly are not aware of all the facts. Your defence of your friend does you credit, but it is also quite dangerous. Because of my long friendship with your father I will overlook your arrogance. Perhaps there are oversimplifications in that document; it is a preliminary indictment and this entire matter is under administrative review at the moment.

‘I am given to understand that powerful friends of Doktor von Braun, some of them of questionable loyalty to the Reich, made representations against this officer merely for doing his duty. As did your father.’ Himmler raised a pale eyebrow.

‘If my father did so,’ Bethwig answered stiffly, ‘it was without my knowledge. The man was…’