The Miernik Dossier

7. EXCERPT FROM TRANSCRIPTION OF A CONVERSATION, PHOTOGRAPHED BY A MOTION PICTURE CAMERA AND DECIPHERED THROUGH LIPREADING, BETWEEN VASILY KUTOSOV, AN OFFICIAL OF THE SOVIET EMBASSY IN PARIS, AND PIERRE MAILLARD, AN OFFICER OF A FRENCH INTELLIGENCE SERVICE. DATE AND PLACE OF CONVERSATION (TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH): 21 MAY, PLACE DU CARROUSEL, PARIS.

MAILLARD: One more thing, rather unimportant perhaps.

KUTOSOV: Perhaps. Tell me.

MAILLARD: We have a report from a low-grade agent in Geneva concerning a Pole named Miernik.

KUTOSOV: Given name?

MAILLARD: Tadeusz. The report says that the Poles are bringing pressure to have this man returned to Poland. The man says that he fears that he will be imprisoned for espionage.

KUTOSOV: What sort of espionage?

MAILLARD: It is not specified. He has a large circle of foreign contacts.

KUTOSOV: What sort of foreigners?

MAILLARD: I know of an Englishman, a Sudanese, a Pakistani.And, of course, an American.

KUTOSOV: Ask for more information.

MAILLARD: It’s difficult. We have no direct interest.

KUTOSOV: Find a way.