The Blackmailed Spy Affair by Europe Confidential

Summary

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Relic Radio Thrillers – “The Blackmailed Spy Affair” (Europe Confidential)

Episode Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Basil Rathbone (as narrator)
Main Characters: Mike Knoy, Captain Smith, General, Sam, George, Grinnell

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Overview

In this episode of Relic Radio Thrillers, listeners are plunged into the shadowy world of World War II espionage with "The Blackmailed Spy Affair" from the Europe Confidential radio series. The story follows Mike Knoy, an American journalist-turned-spy, as he's swept up into a high-stakes mission involving blackmail, deceit, a missing agent, and the secrets of a deadly German rocket factory. Blending suspense, dry wit, and the classic bravado of wartime noir, the episode explores themes of expendability, the murky ethics of spycraft, and the personal cost of cloak-and-dagger assignments.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting Up the Mission: Pressed Into Duty

• Introduction to Mike Knoy: A hard-boiled newspaper man who never quite fit in with the military brass is "volunteered" for a covert operation ("As a soldier, you're about the worst I have in my army." – General, 04:54).
• Reluctance and Wit: Knoy’s irreverent tone sets a wry mood; he’s aware he’s being sent because he’s “expendable” not valued (“Because you do not matter at all... Because you are, how do you say? Expendable.” – Sam, 02:55/14:33).
• Mission Brief: Captain Smith explains Knoy is being sent due to his language skills, appearance, daring, and usefulness in spy work — but with no illusions about the dirtiness of the business or the likelihood of success.

2. The Espionage Assignment: Stopping a Deadlier Weapon

• The Stakes: Allied intelligence learns of a secret German rocket factory even more devastating than the V2. The key to its location is held by an agent in Istanbul, Grinnell, who has gone silent and is suspected of being blackmailed (08:51-10:23).
• The Dilemma: Grinnell might be compromised as a double agent; the risk is that intelligence gets fed the wrong information, enabling the enemy.

3. Byzantine Neutrality: Lisbon and Allies-in-the-Shadows

• Detour in Lisbon: Bureaucracy takes Knoy on a circuitous route, revealing the complicated landscape of wartime “neutral” territories full of spies (11:00-11:42).
• Café Society with Hidden Dangers: At a Lisbon casino, Knoy reunites with old friend Sam, who warns him against going to Istanbul, foreshadowing the perils and labyrinthine rules of espionage society (12:04-14:33).

4. Istanbul Intrigue: Information and Blackmail

• Contact at Georgette’s: Knoy bribes nightclub proprietor George for intel. It’s revealed Grinnell is coerced by the abduction of her sister Julie, who is held at the German embassy (“She must have got onto something good. And the Germans must be particularly anxious for her not to spill it.” – George, 18:11).
• Extraction Plan: Knoy proposes a deal to Grinnell: deliver the rocket factory’s location in exchange for Julie’s rescue (19:18-20:19).

5. The Rescue: Daring Embassy Escape

• At the Reception: Using subterfuge and his cover as an American businessman, Knoy enters the German embassy, but he’s quickly discovered and held at gunpoint (20:37-21:28).
• Turning the Tables: In a bold move, Knoy disarms Gerhardt, the guard, and locates Julie (22:05-22:33).
• Death-Defying Leap: With guards breaking in, Knoy and Julie jump from a four-story window into firemen’s rescue nets, smuggled out by the local fire brigade bribed by Knoy (“To the airport and step on it.” – Mike Knoy, 24:09).

6. Aftermath: Twists and Ironies

• Debrief with the General: Knoy discovers the mission’s success was only partial. Another agent supplied the needed intelligence, showing the messy, multifaceted world of wartime espionage ("That air raid was held three nights ago when you were in Lisbon. Granor wasn't the only source of information." – General, 24:53).
• Recognition—or Not: The only “reward” Knoy receives is an instruction to return his borrowed tuxedo (25:38), underscoring the thankless, absurdist reality of spy work.
• Wry Reflection: The episode closes with Knoy’s casual typewriter tap, a sardonic end to another perilous, ambiguous day.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the expendability of spies:
  Sam: “Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are, how do you say? Expendable.” (02:55/14:33)
• Mike's sardonic wit:
  Mike Knoy: "Would the fact that you don't like me as a soldier have anything to do with the fact that we worked for rival newspapers back home? That I once scooped you on a very important assignment?" (05:21)
• Spy genre humor:
  Captain Smith: "We have borrowed you from your people because of your special qualifications. Languages, looks, a certain rather celebrated aptitude for the opposite sex and a fair share of unmitigated gall." (07:48)
• The dark reality of double agents:
  Captain Smith: "For one thing, the pay is abominable. That's why so many of the regular pros turn double agent on us." (08:25)
• Bureaucracy and absurd heroics:
  General: "Sometimes I think this isn't a war at all, but a grand convention of lunatics." (25:21)

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Important Timestamps and Segments

• Mission assigned: 04:35–07:00
• Espionage briefing and stakes: 07:20–10:23
• Lisbon casino exchange with Sam: 12:04–14:33
• Georgette’s club, blackmail revealed: 15:15–18:29
• Deal with Grinnell: 19:18–20:19
• German embassy infiltration and escape: 20:37–24:09
• Debrief and final irony: 24:23–25:38

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Conclusion & Tone

The Blackmailed Spy Affair is a quintessential World War II thriller—fast-paced, cynical, and laced with gallows humor. It uses the familiar framework of shadowy nightclubs, double-crosses, and breathtaking escapes, all undercut by a deep skepticism about the heroics of war and the expendable nature of the people caught up in its gears. Mike Knoy, with his dry, almost indifferent narration, anchors the listener—making the absurdity of the spy world both thrilling and knowingly ridiculous. Whether a fan of classic radio drama or simply a lover of witty noir, this episode delivers suspense, intrigue, and plenty of quotable lines.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Announcer]

Presenting the world's greatest mysteries.

[Basil Rathbone]

And now your host, this is Basil Rathbone. In drama and fiction, newspaper men are invariably tough, hard boiled characters. In real life, this is. Well, it's not necessarily true. Although several newspaper men I've known were as colorful as anything fiction has ever had to offer. Mike, whom you'll meet in a moment, is based on a real person who actually works for the European edition of a famous American newspaper. Not only is the character real, but, well, many of the stories which Mike tells are also based on fact. The tale you are going to hear today, for instance, is you may even recognize from the headlines in your newspaper of, well, not so long ago. In a moment, Mike will introduce you to another mystery solved and signed with his own unmistakable trademark, Europe Confidential.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Announcer]

Presenting Europe Confidential.

[Sam]

Why have they sent you, Mike? Because you are so experienced in espionage?

[Mike Knoy]

Well, of course not. That isn't the reason.

[Sam]

Then you know, Mike, you know why people like you are sent on missions like this?

[Mike Knoy]

No, I can't say I do.

[Sam]

Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are, how do you say? Expendable.

[Announcer]

In a moment, we'll bring you Lionel Merton as Mike Knoy, the Paris correspondent, a famous American newspaper. In another exciting story in our series, Europe Confidential.

[Mike Knoy]

I write a column called.

Europe Confidential for the Paris edition of an American paper.

No, it's a strange thing, but the.

Army and I never got along very well together.

Somehow I never rose above the rank of private. And maybe it was because the brass.

Hats and I never quite saw eye to eye.

Well, the story I want to tell.

You is about my same old European beat, but switch the clock back a few years. 1943 to be precise. And picture. Private detention before a certain general who is about as happy as a nature lover in the winter time. And the reason for his happiness. Yeah, yours truly.

[General]

I don't know why they don't take you out of here and put you behind a newspaper desk. As a soldier, you're about the worst I have in my army. Well, thank you, General.

[Mike Knoy]

Nice to have confirmation.

[General]

You mean you agree?

[Mike Knoy]

No, sir.

I mean, your officers have been telling.

Me that ever since we hit the English coast.

[General]

Trouble with you newspaper guys, you don't know the meaning of discipline.

[Mike Knoy]

Sir, I'd like to see you in the study.

Room of the Chronicle. Making us slope typewriters. You'd be a riot.

[General]

I'd like you to remember I am your commanding officer. Yes, sir.

[Mike Knoy]

Would the fact that you don't like me as a soldier have anything to do with the fact that we worked for rival newspapers back home? That I once scooped you on a very important assignment?

[General]

Nothing at all. The newspaper business is a long way behind me. The army's my career now.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, sir. Now listen.

[General]

You report to the address on this slip of paper. It's a tailor on Saville Road. The tailor has his instructions. He's to make you three suits, including the full suit and fish and the whole outfit. So it'll be ready in 48 hours.

[Mike Knoy]

What?

[General]

Wait a minute.

[Mike Knoy]

It gets worse.

[General]

You go to the Savoy Hotel. You know where that is?

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, sir.

[General]

A room is reserved there for you. You'll register as a civilian. For purposes of cutting red tape, you're going to be a civilian.

[Mike Knoy]

But here are your papers. You'll be taking a trip pretty soon.

[General]

Yes. We're sending you away from all these bombs. Isn't that awful?

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, sir.

[General]

I wish we were dropping you by parachute into Becktorsgarden. But as it is, you're going to a nice, cozy, neutral country to have a long visit with a beautiful girl.

[Mike Knoy]

Discouraging.

[General]

I tell you, this whole army is as nutty as a fruitcake.

[Mike Knoy]

I didn't say that, did I? No, you didn't.

[Captain Smith]

Yes.

[General]

The Allied command is sending you on a holiday and you're traveling as a civilian with the rank of a full colonel.

[Mike Knoy]

That's what I mean about brass. An unfriendly attitude.

Unnecessary, I call it.

Since we were old newspaper buddies. Why couldn't the general have been nice? Well, if he was, I guess he wouldn't have been a general.

Of course, if you look at it.

That way, I was going to have to begin changing my loyalties. Because according to my papers, I was.

Part of the brass now myself. I got my new suits and then they sent me to see a certain Captain Smith.

I don't think that was his real name. He was something very high in the hush hush department. Was all set up for midnight on the right side of Cleopatra's needle. Oh, I can tell you the whole thing was very cloak and dagger.

[Captain Smith]

I said, could you give me a light?

[Mike Knoy]

We're not supposed to show a light.

[Captain Smith]

That's correct. What was in the bottle?

[Mike Knoy]

Jenkins ear put out.

[Captain Smith]

How did Morgan die?

[Mike Knoy]

He died a governor.

[Ambassador]

Splendid.

[Captain Smith]

All the answers perfectly correct. Silly questions. What silly answers too come to Think of it. The silliness makes it easier to remember. I always think.

[Mike Knoy]

All right, if you say so. Captain Smith.

[Captain Smith]

Let's get down to cases. We have borrowed you from your people because of your special qualifications. Languages, looks, a certain rather celebrated aptitude for the opposite sex and a fair share of unmitigated gall.

[Sam]

Pass.

[Captain Smith]

A knowledge of Europe and some of the people you'll be meeting.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Smith]

Don't call me sir. Remember, this isn't the army. Not strictly speaking. So this is another show. What do you think of spying?

[Mike Knoy]

I don't know. I never tried.

[Captain Smith]

It's a dirty business, of course. Absolutely filthy. Then it's a profession like anything else.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[Captain Smith]

For one thing, the pay is abominable. That's why so many of the regular pros turn double agent on us. You know what a double agent is, don't you?

[Mike Knoy]

Well, yeah, I guess so. An agent who sells out to another power.

[Captain Smith]

Yes, they're on to most of that lot. Of course, we use them when we can. But it's always sticky. No doubt about that. Sticky.

[Mike Knoy]

Another one of those V2s that was.

[Captain Smith]

In Chelsea, I'd say. Appalling weapons, aren't they? Guided, Ms. Os. I'll tell you something because it's going to be part of your job. This V2 is nothing. Jerry is getting ready with something a great deal worse. In the same line. About 10 times worse, according to our information. Yes. Somewhere in Europe, more than 100ft underground there's a factory where they are busy perfecting quite a new thing. We have got to stop them. Want to help?

[Mike Knoy]

Sure. But how?

[Captain Smith]

Your work has to do with an agent of ours working in Istanbul. You didn't ever happen to meet a female named Greenall, did you?

[Mike Knoy]

No, I don't think so.

[Captain Smith]

Reddish blonde, sometimes auburn grey eyes rather tall. Speaks eight languages perfectly. Five or six more well enough. She's been a professional agent for more than 15 years. Good at her work, too. Yes, she's been quite valuable to us, off and on. This, it appears, is one of the off times.

[Mike Knoy]

Very much off.

[Captain Smith]

She was due to send us something.

[Mike Knoy]

Rather important and you know. They gave you a hint about that. You mean this new rocket factory? Grenall has the information about where it is and she won't send it.

[Captain Smith]

Worse, she's given us false information. We think the Germans have some sort of hold over her. Blackmail or something beastly. We'd like you to see if you can't get some sort of line on just what it is. We don't really expect you to succeed. But go down and have a try, won't you?

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, but what do I do?

Where do I go?

[Captain Smith]

You'll receive sealed instructions when you get on the plane. Details, background, all that sort of thing.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, but. But look.

[Captain Smith]

See that car across the way?

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah.

[Captain Smith]

It's waiting to take you to the airport. Well, good hunting.

[Mike Knoy]

Hey, pilot.

[General]

Pilot.

[Ambassador]

Yes?

[Mike Knoy]

That doesn't look like the Bosphorus to me.

[Ambassador]

No, doesn't it?

[Mike Knoy]

That looks like the Atlantic Ocean.

[Ambassador]

Yes, it does, doesn't it?

[Mike Knoy]

But don't you know what it says in my instructions?

[Captain Smith]

Oh, mustn't tell that.

[Ambassador]

You know, those instructions are supposed to be secret.

[Mike Knoy]

That's all very well, but I'm under orders to proceed to Istanbul. Here we are in. Where are we anyway?

[Ambassador]

Well, this flight isn't part of your show at all. We just happen to be carrying you, if you see what I mean. A little out of your way, of course, but there's an awful lot of red tape attached to getting in and out of these neutral countries.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, but look, my instructions.

[General]

Don't worry.

[Ambassador]

There's bound to be some one of our chaps waiting to take you the rest of your journey tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy Lisbon. We're coming in now.

[Mike Knoy]

Oh, so that's where we are.

[Ambassador]

Yes. Better fasten your seatbelt. Wizard place, Lisbon.

[Mike Knoy]

Sure enough, they had me all fixed up for a flight to Turkey in the morning. Well, I wasn't complaining. There weren't any rockets falling on Lisbon. And anyway, it's always been one of my favorite places for having a good time.

I checked into the hotel, changed into.

My new white tie and tails, and took a cab out to the casino at Estoril.

[Captain Smith]

Come over to Genevieve.

[Mike Knoy]

What are you doing in Lisbon?

[Sam]

Oh, my dear, in this city, there are two things we try to avoid. The first is never, unless it is absolutely necessary to address a friend by name. After all, you know, one's name may not be one's name anymore.

[Mike Knoy]

All right, honey, but what's the second rule?

[Sam]

It is a more strict one. We observe it very carefully.

[Mike Knoy]

Fine, but you can't expect me to obey the law if I don't know it.

[Sam]

You asked me what I was doing in history.

[Mike Knoy]

Oh, that's it, Sherry.

[Sam]

No matter what the provocation, we never, never, under any circumstances, ask each other what we are doing in England.

[Mike Knoy]

Well, I'm perfectly willing to tell you what I'm doing.

[Sam]

Oh, don't bother.

[Captain Smith]

Why not?

[Mike Knoy]

I've got a good job.

[George]

Oh?

[General]

Yep.

[Mike Knoy]

I represent the biggest Swedish manufacturers Of ball bearings. Tomorrow I'm going up to Stockholm.

[Sam]

To Stockholm? By way of Istanbul. You mean you know everyone knows everything about everybody. And no one asks anybody anything. The first is a question of pride, and the second, polite. Oh, it's very warm in here. Shall we go out on the terrace?

[Mike Knoy]

Am I allowed to answer that one or must I tell you in code? What are we allowed to talk about now?

[Sam]

Why should we talk? That's true.

[Mike Knoy]

Why should you?

[Captain Smith]

It was a nice.

[Sam]

You still do that very nicely, Knight.

[Mike Knoy]

But what's the joke?

[Sam]

You're such a terrible spy.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, I guess I am at that.

[Sam]

Listen, Knight, I've always liked you. I am not working for your people, but I know what you are up to. Don't go to Istogun.

[Mike Knoy]

I haven't got any choice, honey. I think I'd go anywhere. You know me, curious as a cat. Why shouldn't I go?

[Sam]

They put you onto something terribly big, Mike. Terribly important.

[Mike Knoy]

Well, that's very flattering, isn't it? Tell me, what do you know about a woman called Grinol?

[Sam]

Oh, she's been an agent a long time. I do not know her, but I have seen her. Once in Samurai and again in Deauville. Please, Mike, do not go to Istanbul. It is not a woman grind. It is a situation. I tell you, it is too big for an amateur. It is too big for anyone.

[Mike Knoy]

Maybe, but I'm a lousy soldier. This is more like the old newspaper days. They've at least given me a chance to handle this deal.

[Sam]

And why? Why have they sent you, Max? Because you are so experienced in espionage?

[Captain Smith]

Of course not.

[Mike Knoy]

That isn't the reason.

[Sam]

Then you know, Max. You know why people like you are sent on missions like this?

[Mike Knoy]

No, I can't say I do.

[Sam]

Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are. Oh, how do you say it? Exp. Dependable.

[Mike Knoy]

Well, I was on my way and I'd been warned.

Promptly at 6 the following morning, we.

Took off from Lisbon airport and made Istanbul in good time and without incident.

Well, when you're on a story assignment.

And you don't know where to start, what do you do first? That's right. You look up some old friends. Which was why. Around 11 o' clock that night, once again in the white tie and tails, I made my way to Georgette's, an upholstered sewer masquerading as a nightclub. I left my top hat with a.

Czech girl and called for the head waiter.

[Captain Smith]

Good Evening, sir. You are alone, monsieur?

[Sam]

Perhaps I can get my nearer table.

[Captain Smith]

Near the floor, senor.

[Mike Knoy]

Where's Georgette?

[Captain Smith]

I beg pardon?

[Mike Knoy]

Come on, you heard me. Georgette.

[Captain Smith]

Georgette.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes. Where is he?

[Captain Smith]

There's no one here by that name, sir.

[General]

And this.

[Captain Smith]

Possibly you are referring to Monsieur Racine.

[Mike Knoy]

I wouldn't know.

Unless Mr. Racine used to be doing an act on a trapeze dressed like.

A girl in a blonde wig. Of course, that's a long time ago in Berlin, sir.

[Sam]

I have never in all my life.

[Captain Smith]

Traveled outside of Istanbul.

[Sam]

I wouldn't.

[Mike Knoy]

But why all this hocus pocus and the mystery Georgette's real name was George Beaton. Why I'm standing here telling you the.

Story of your boss's wife?

[General]

I don't know.

[Mike Knoy]

Look, wait a minute, I'll tell you. I hadn't bothered to show you the color of the doe. Here it is. This is for you.

[Captain Smith]

Oh, thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Please come this way.

[Mike Knoy]

Hello.

[Sam]

Here, sir.

[General]

Thanks.

[Sam]

If you will step through the kitchen, sir.

[Captain Smith]

Here we are. Excuse me.

[George]

Yes, what is it?

[Captain Smith]

There is a gentleman here who says he knows you. Oh, yes?

[Sam]

And who.

[Mike Knoy]

Hiya, George.

[George]

Mike. Well, for Pete's sake, don't you think.

[Mike Knoy]

We'D better be alone?

[Basil Rathbone]

Leave us.

[Mike Knoy]

Well, yes, it's been a long time. Yes, it has. You're getting fat, old boy. Also getting rich.

[George]

Not so fat, Mike, and not so rich.

[Mike Knoy]

How's the opium rug?

[George]

No, Mike, you know I don't have a monkey with that stuff. You newspaper guys are all the same. Just when a man thinks you're a real pal, you start the old snoop. What are you after?

[Mike Knoy]

Information. And I'm willing to pay for it.

[George]

With money.

[Mike Knoy]

With money. Top market price too. You know an agent called Grinnell?

[George]

Suppose I did.

[Mike Knoy]

Who's shaking her down?

[Sam]

Who wants to know?

[Mike Knoy]

People with the dough, George. 500 English pounds.

[George]

I could use it.

[Mike Knoy]

All right, Georgie boy. Let's get down to cases, eh, Grinnell? She's a good looker.

[George]

She has a sister.

[Mike Knoy]

Oh, is that it?

[George]

Our younger sister called Julie.

[Mike Knoy]

Where is she now?

[George]

She's in Istanbul too, but she isn't free to move around very much. You might say she's a guest at a certain embassy.

[Mike Knoy]

What embassy?

[George]

I prefer not to use proper names, Mike.

[Mike Knoy]

Okay, I can guess. The sister's being held in the German embassy. How long do they figure they can keep her?

[George]

Your guess is as good as mine. I'd say for as long as Grinault herself can divorce the function effectively.

[Mike Knoy]

You mean as a Double agent, of course.

[George]

She must have got onto something good. And the Germans must be particularly anxious for her not to spill it.

[Mike Knoy]

They're probably hoping to use her to.

[George]

Lead your people just as far away from the truth as possible and for as long as possible.

[Mike Knoy]

And what happens when Grenall gets tired of cooperating?

[George]

She's very fond of that kid sister.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, but what happens to her finally? To Julie, I mean? They knock her out, won't they?

[George]

Yes, I should think so. Oh, Mike, it's been pleasant meeting you. Goodbye.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes?

[Sam]

What did you.

[Mike Knoy]

Ms. Grinnell?

[Sam]

What did you want?

[Mike Knoy]

I came here to see you about Captain Jenkins.

[Sam]

What about you?

[Mike Knoy]

His ear's in a bottle.

Also, there's Governor Morgan.

[Sam]

Come in, come in. Okay, no need for all that rigamarole. I know who you are. You used to work on the American Chronicle in Marseilles in 37. I met you once in Monte Carlo. Now they've sent you from London. What is your message?

[Mike Knoy]

Well, the message is supposed to come from you, Ms. Greno. With about 500 RAF planes waiting for the address of a certain rocket factory. The information is past due.

[Sam]

I've always given perfect satisfaction my rocket.

[Mike Knoy]

Save it, honey. Let's cut the whole thing down to facts, hey? Fact one, you know where that rocket factory really is. Fact two, I know where your kid's sister really is. And fact three, get me that rocket factory and I'll deliver Julie.

[Sam]

How can you do that? There are over 60 people in the embassy. She's up on the third floor. There are armed guards.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, they're giving a reception, aren't they?

[Captain Smith]

Tomorrow night.

[Mike Knoy]

Who? The German Embassy, honey. No. Don't go stupid on me. I want an invitation.

[Sam]

How can I do that?

[Mike Knoy]

You can do it. You're working for them, aren't you? They don't know me here. I've got a pocket full of papers to prove I'm an American businessman from Columbus, Ohio interested in opening a factory. Here's the name. Get me an invitation for that party and get yourself two tickets for Switzerland. The plane leaves at 4:30 in the morning. Bring all the information on that rocket factory to the airport and I'll bring Julie. Well, goodbye now.

Sorry, but I've got to run.

[Sam]

Where are you going?

[Mike Knoy]

You'd never guess.

I'm going to play pinochle with the.

Chief of the Turkish Fire Department.

Goodbye for now.

[Ambassador]

Good Evening, my dear. Mr. Cotton, isn't it? Yeah, I believe that is the name.

[Sam]

Mr. Cotton.

[Mike Knoy]

Good evening, Mr.

[General]

Ambassador.

[Mike Knoy]

Very nice of you to invite me.

[Ambassador]

It is our pleasure, Mr. Cotton. The chairman Reich is particularly interested in the development of industry.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, indeed.

[Ambassador]

I would like to put a few questions to you privately. Mr. Cotton. Won't you please step this way?

[Mike Knoy]

Well, Mr.

Ambassador, I. I won't keep you very long. Well, all right.

[Captain Smith]

Thank you.

[Ambassador]

It is rash to talk serious business in this large public gathering. We will be much quieter in my study.

[Mike Knoy]

Yes, I dare say, through him. Hey.

[Ambassador]

Put up your hands, ay? And keep them there.

[Mike Knoy]

This gentleman, as you can see, is armed.

[Ambassador]

And this room is quite soundproof. He will not hesitate to use his gun.

[Mike Knoy]

Okay. Now what happens?

[Ambassador]

We will discuss that a bit later. Now I must return to my guests. I will be interested to learn why you were so stupid as to come here. I must say that in my entire diplomatic career, I have never had anything made quite so simple for me. I will return later. Meanwhile, Gerhardt here will keep you company.

[Mike Knoy]

Well, Gerhardt, here we are.

[Captain Smith]

Keep your hands up.

[Mike Knoy]

The Ambassador says I'm stupid, Gerhardt. You agree with him also.

[Captain Smith]

Americans are stupid.

[Mike Knoy]

You think it would be stupid of me to try and get that gun away from you, Gerhardt? Yeah, I suppose it would. But anyway, I'm gonna try.

Sorry I only got you in the leg, old boy, but never was much of a shot.

[Captain Smith]

Yeah.

[Mike Knoy]

What I need today is to practice my marksmanship. And since this is such a nice soundproof room.

[Captain Smith]

What are you doing?

[Mike Knoy]

What'll I try for, Gerhardt?

An arm or another leg?

All right then. Where's the girl? That was your right hand, wasn't it, Gerhardt? You see, my aim's getting better. It's practice that does it. Now let's try for a foot. No, no. She's in there.

[Captain Smith]

Shoot that door.

[Mike Knoy]

Okay.

[Captain Smith]

Thanks.

[Mike Knoy]

Julie.

[General]

Julie.

[Sam]

What do you want?

[Mike Knoy]

I'm not one of the Nazis, Julie. You have to take my word for it. I'm your sister's friend.

[Captain Smith]

Listen.

[Sam]

They're coming.

[Mike Knoy]

We've just got time. Bolt the door.

[Sam]

It won't do any good. This is the only way out.

[Mike Knoy]

There's the window.

[Sam]

Of no use.

[Mike Knoy]

Yeah, the window's locked, isn't it?

Here, give me that chair.

[Sam]

I tell you, it's no use.

[Mike Knoy]

One, two, three.

[Sam]

I tell you it's hopeless. There are big gardens on the side of the house. No one will hear. And besides, the embassy guards will be.

[Mike Knoy]

They're starting to break down the door. Jump, Julie.

[Sam]

Through the window?

[Mike Knoy]

Where else, you little fool?

[Sam]

With its four stories to the ground, I'll be killed.

[Mike Knoy]

Jump, Julie.

[General]

Go on, jump.

[Captain Smith]

Oh, very well.

[Sam]

It doesn't matter. Perhaps it's better to die this time.

[Mike Knoy]

Oh, shut up and jump. That's a girl.

[Ambassador]

Put that gun down.

[Mike Knoy]

Look out below. Julie. I'm coming after you.

[Ambassador]

You wish to kill yourself?

[Mike Knoy]

Well, Mr. Ambassador, you told me I was stupid.

Don't be.

[Sam]

Sign.

[Mike Knoy]

That night there was seen in the streets of Istanbul one of the strangest.

Sights in the history of that historic city.

A procession of firemen bearing two bundles.

Wrapped in canvas rushed out of the German compound and boarded a hook and ladder.

Then, out of the bundles, which were.

Of course, firemen's jumping nets, there emerged.

[General]

Two figures there too.

[Sam]

Mister, where do we take you?

[Mike Knoy]

To the airport and step on it.

[General]

I've been reading your report.

[Mike Knoy]

Very interesting. Oh, thank you, sir.

[Captain Smith]

There's just one thing.

[Mike Knoy]

Turkey is a neutral country.

[General]

How did you manage to get all.

[Mike Knoy]

That cooperation from the fire department? Well, I used persuasion, sir. You'll find it all down on the expense account.

[General]

I thought you might like to know.

[Mike Knoy]

Private, that there was quite an air.

[General]

Raid the other night over a certain factory on the Baltic Sea. The Germans won't be making that new rocket, Private. Not for some time, anyway.

[Mike Knoy]

I'm glad to hear it, sir.

[General]

And I suppose you think we owe.

[Mike Knoy]

The whole thing to you, don't you, Private? Well, we don't.

[Captain Smith]

No, sir.

[General]

That air raid was held three nights ago when you were in Lisbon. Granor wasn't the only source of information.

[Mike Knoy]

Not by a long shot.

[General]

I'm instructed to tell you that the facts we were looking for were sent to us from Portugal from an agent by the name of Genevieve. However, the Allied command are very grateful for your help. They've asked me to give you this.

[Mike Knoy]

Now, wait a minute. Where did I put it?

[General]

Sometimes I think this isn't a war at all, but a grand convention of lunatics.

[Mike Knoy]

I didn't say that, did I, Private? No, sir, you didn't.

[Captain Smith]

No, I didn't think I did.

[General]

Ah, here you are. This is from the Allied Command with their confidence.

[Mike Knoy]

Thank you, sir. What is it?

[General]

It's an address. They thought you might have lost it. It's that tailor in Savile Row. They want you to return the.

[Announcer]

You have been listening to Lionel Merton as Mike Kanoye in another exciting episode in the series Europe Confidential.

[Basil Rathbone]

This is Dazzle Rap again as Mike takes the copy out of his typewriter.

[Mike Knoy]

To file his story.

[Basil Rathbone]

Our play for today comes to an end. Well, goodbye now till we meet again to listen to another of the world's greatest mysteries.

[Mike Knoy]

Sa.