Mata Hari's Last Dance(60)
The concierge nods. “Certainly.”
I lean over his desk and write down the number of my suite at the élysée Palace. Under it I slip a fifty franc note. “The moment Vadime de Massloff checks in, will you give this to him?”
He slips the fifty into his shirt pocket. “Of course.”
*
That night the door of my suite swings open with a violent crash. Five men with rifles enter my hotel room. I am dreaming of the Walrus, of escaping his meaty hands. Now I scream, grab the covers, and pull them to my chest. I glance at the clock on the bedside. It’s six a.m.
“What is the meaning of this?” I demand.
“Madam, I am Inspecteur Marcadier.” He steps around my luggage.
I’m packed and ready to leave. There are sixteen bags in all. Plus one blue-green purse. Even as the inspecteur is speaking, I’m thinking that it isn’t much, the things that belong to me in this life.
“These are inspecteurs Quentin, Priolet, Curnier, and Des Logères.” The other men step forward.
“What are you doing here?” I demand. “This is outrageous! I am employed by Commandant Ladoux of the French Secret Service!”
“Mata Hari,” Marcadier continues, as if I haven’t spoken a word, “also known as M’greet MacLeod, also known as Margaretha Zelle, you are charged with espionage against the Republic of France.”
They allow me to dress and while I’m given my coat Inspecteur Marcadier reads the mandat d’arrêt.
“How do you answer these charges?”
I repeat that I am in the employ of Commandant Ladoux. It has the same impact: They ignore me completely. They lead me down three flights of stairs to the lobby of the élysée Palace. The hotel employees are huddled in a tight circle, whispering. Shame floods my face as they parade me to the door like a criminal. Outside, the streets are thick with mist and dreamlike. Maybe I’m still sleeping, I tell myself. Maybe none of this is true.
Part 3
Destruction
GERMANY SHOWN IN HER TRUE LIGHT
(By United Press)
Washington, March 1.—Germany, in planning unrestricted submarine warfare and counting its consequences, proposed an alliance with Mexico and Japan to make war on the United Sates, if this country should not remain neutral.
Japan, through Mexican mediation, was to be urged to abandon her allies and join in the attack on the United States.
Mexico, for her reward, was to receive general financial support from Germany, reconquer Texas, New Mexico and Arizona—lost provinces—and share in the victorious peace terms Germany contemplated.
Details were left to German Minister von Eckhardt in Mexico City, who by instructions signed by German Foreign Minister Zimmerman, at Berlin, January 19, 1917, was directed to propose the alliance with Mexico to General Carranza and suggest that Mexico seek to bring Japan into the plot.
Sent Through Bernstorff.
These instructions were transmitted to von Eckhardt through Count von Bernstorff, former German ambassador here, now on his way home to Germany under a safe conduct obtained from his enemies by the country against which he was plotting war.
Germany pictured to Mexico, by broad intimation, England and the entente allies defeated; Germany and her allies triumphant and in world domination by the instrument of unrestricted warfare.
Text of the Letter.
A copy of Zimmerman’s instructions to von Eckhardt, sent through von Bernstorff, is in possession of the United States government. It is as follows:
“Berlin, January 19, 1917.
“On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America.
“If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement.”
“Japan Also.
“You are instructed to inform the president of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the president of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan, suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan.
“Please call to the attention of the president of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.
(signed) “ ‘Zimmerman.’ ”
This document has been in the hands of the government since President Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.
Chapter 18
The Conciergerie
1917
A light comes on and I hear his footsteps before I see him, the soft leather of his shoes on concrete. “Edouard!” I call through the bars as he comes into view; I’m afraid he isn’t real. I am in a new cell. It contains three beds, a toilet, a bottle of fresh water.
As soon as he sees me, tears well in his eyes. I’ve never seen Edouard like this. “My God, what have you done, M’greet?”