Night Angels(21)

“Of course,” Fengshan said. “Mr. Wiley, I’m honored to meet you here today. May I congratulate Ambassador Wilson, on behalf of my superior Ambassador Chen, for his new position in Berlin? My superior is looking forward to meeting him in person. Could this possibly be arranged with your attention?” He went on to describe briefly the aggression of the Japanese, who had ravaged his country for years, and his country’s desperate need for a loan.

Mr. Wiley squinted at his watch again. “I shall be glad to relay the plight of your country to my superior in Berlin. However, with the most profound regret, Ambassador Wilson has a full schedule for the next six months. As for the loan from the League, I’m certain that you’re aware that the procedure requires the input of some key council members. However, I’m afraid such a meeting is not on the League’s agenda, due to the escalating political situation in Europe. As you know, the French and the English are focused on their matters at home.”

Fengshan let out a sigh. Ambassador Chen would be disappointed. “It’s a shame that the League that has been a spokesperson for world peace is too beset by its own woes to carry out its mission.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Dr. Ho. I’m sorry I don’t have good news.”

He couldn’t allow the American to leave yet. “May I ask, Mr. Wiley, who’s the prominent Austrian figure your consulate is protecting?”

“Dr. Freud. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”

“Why is he being harassed?”

“The reason many people are living in fear.”

Fengshan hadn’t known Dr. Freud was also a Jew. He sighed and recounted the story of Mr. Rosenburg, a prominent lawyer being forced to leave the country. “Mr. Wiley, forgive me, I hate to take more of your time, but the situation in Vienna is most disconcerting. As you’re aware, Anschluss has caught many of us by surprise, and some of the uncivil incidents are most disheartening and cause much grief for many Viennese. What are your thoughts regarding the future of the Viennese Jews in Greater Germany?”

Mr. Wiley sighed. “I won’t mince my words. I am quite alarmed. I have received multiple petitions regarding the treatment of Jews born and raised here. Some petitions come from Quakers, who have expressed similar concerns like yours. I assure you that I’ve made my country aware of the situation, and President Roosevelt has decided to take action.”

“This is most heartwarming to hear. Would you care to elaborate?”

“The news will soon be made public, Dr. Ho, but I am pleased to inform you now that our president has made an urgent call summoning thirty-two nations of the world to convene in ?vian-les-Bains, France, to discuss options to assist the Jewish people in Greater Germany who need humanitarian assistance.”

Thirty-two countries. If this were not an ultimate demonstration of a country in power, he didn’t know what was. Ambassador Chen was still unable to meet the key members of the League after a month’s request, but the president of the United States made a phone call, and the representatives from thirty-two countries cleared their schedules for a meeting. Fengshan dared to dream that one day China would follow America’s footsteps and prosper and wield great power and influence in the world.

His feelings aside, it was apparent to him that the United States, once a nascent power on the world stage, now played an increasingly important role. If the president of the United States called for action, there was good reason to believe some positive outcome would be reached.

“Mr. Wiley, may I venture to ask if there will be sanctions on the German government?”

“It wouldn’t be unexpected, given the atrocities we have heard of.”

“Perhaps there’s an agenda of a new immigration law, provided that the Viennese Jews are willing to leave the country?”

“With thirty-two countries attending the conference, I would daresay some of them, if not all, will welcome the talented, wealthy, intellectual immigrants to their country.”

Fengshan concurred. What countries wouldn’t open their arms to educated people with skills and wealth? Had China not been embroiled in war, it would be glad to accept these Viennese as well. Mr. Rosenburg would be relieved to hear this news. He would have several countries, not just the US, to immigrate to, if he decided to do so. Or he might be able to stay in Vienna and regain his properties and savings.

“I can assure you, Dr. Ho, the United States is the guardian of humanity, the advocate of world peace and freedom. Who will we be if we fail to protect the vulnerable? With Congress’s approval, we will see to it that democracy, freedom, and equality will be achieved for everyone.”

It was typical grandiose American discourse, yet it sounded comforting and strangely uplifting, and Fengshan dreamed of the day when he would make a similar claim on behalf of his country and instill his countrymen with the same aspirations. “When is the meeting?”

“July sixth.” Mr. Wiley stood.

In about six weeks. “It’s a long wait for those harassed.”

The American patted his shoulder. “Dr. Ho, it is admirable that you have such compassion, but I’m sure you understand that it is recommended to diplomats that we maintain a certain distance among the political upheaval.”

Fengshan laughed. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Wiley, but didn’t you mention Dr. Freud was under your consulate’s protection?”