The Secrets of the German War OfficeGraves, Armgaard Karl
History
The Secrets of the German War Office
Graves, Armgaard Karl
Germany -- Foreign relations -- 1871-1918
I was taken first to Carlton Hill Jail, Edinburgh, and transferred
after two weeks to Barlinney Prison near Glasgow. Considering the
circumstances, I was treated with surprising consideration. The
conditions that had characterized my trial prevailed in the prison. I
soon perceived that the Barlinney prison officials were trying to
sound me in a canny Scotch way--with no result.
"You're foolish to stay in here--You must have something worth
while--Why don't you get out?"
That was the gist of their talks with me from the warders up. I kept
my mouth shut.
Now I shall present information that was denied the House of Commons
upon the occasion of an inquiry into my case.
On the fifth week of my imprisonment I was talten to the office of the
Governor of the prison. As I entered I saw a slight, soldierly
looking English gentleman of the cavalry type--(a cavalry officer has
certain mannerisms that invariably give him away to one who knows).
The Governor spoke first:
"Graves, here is a gentleman who wishes to see you."
The stranger nodded to the Governor and said:
"I may be quite a while. You have your instructions."
"That's all right, sir," replied the Governor.
The Governor left and we were alone. The stranger rose.
"My name is Robinson, Doctor. Please take a seat."
Of course, being a prisoner, I had remained standing.
Robinson began some casual conversation.
"How are they treating you?"
"I have no complaints to make."
"Is the confinement irksome to you?"
"Naturally." I looked him straight in the face. "I am a philosopher.
Kismet, Captain."
"Oh--ho" he exclaimed. "You address me as Captain. Wherefor this
knowledge? We have never met."
"No," I replied. "But I have associated too long with various types
of army officers not to be able to detect a British cavalry officer.
Formerly of an Hussar regiment, I take it?"
He laughed for some time. He continued feeling his way in this
manner. Then suddenly he changed front. Point blank he asked me:
"Now, old chap, we know that you worked for Germany against us. We
also know that you are not a German. Is there any reason why you
should not work for us? Any private reason?"
"Captain," I said, "you of all men ought to know that the betrayal of
your employers for a monetary or a liberty reason alone is never
entertained by a man who has been in my work. We go into it with our
eyes open, well knowing the consequences if we are caught. We do not
squeal if we are hurt."
For a time he looked at me very earnestly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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