Sample Chapter

Embassy Intrigue

by Roger Neetz

Chapter One

“Science and technology is the cutting edge of Israel’s future, Eric. We can’t wait for political decisions to guarantee our survival and you know we will fight to the end to preserve our nation.”

“Flexing military muscle disturbs me, Joshua. Israel is a small nation and to survive it needs powerful weapons. Are you talking about a nuclear arsenal, and, if so, doesn’t that conflict with U.S. policy to deter the proliferation of nuclear weapons?”

Joshua Calif paused before answering and then spoke in a resolute voice. “Eric, we will do whatever it takes to survive. We have lived through the worst of times as a people. Now, we are a nation of people. We are no longer dependent on the political will of others to help our cause. We will decide our own destiny and will harness all the energy and skill of our people to build a nation equal to none.”

It was well past midnight and Eric Kempner and Joshua Calif were still arguing over the political decisions that would affect the direction and growth of Israel. The evening started after Eric finished his last lecture at Caltech and Joshua, a visiting scholar from Israel, had ended his work at the laboratory.

The two men met for the first time a year ago. Eric Kempner was head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Caltech. He was a strong proponent for advancing international cooperation through scholarly exchanges. When he learned the U.S. government had entered into a bilateral agreement with Israel for scientific exchanges, he submitted a proposal to the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. His project, “Microwaves and the Technical Revolution,” was accepted, and it was through this exchange that he met Joshua Calif.

Joshua Calif was a scientist working in the Israeli counterpart to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and had been hand-picked by his government to do research in a prestigious academic institution in California. Caltech was selected because of its proximity to the newly emerging high-tech, defense-related industries.

Eric had a fond recollection of their first meeting and he remembered how Joshua, a man in his late forties, had chided him about his youth and his position as a professor at a leading university.

“You are too neat and look too much like a movie star,” he said jokingly, then added, “but I must admit, after reading your published articles, you are a good scientist. The question is are you as dedicated to the art as we Israelis are?”

This high ego response touched a sensitive nerve and brought a puzzled frown on Eric’s face. He deferred by not answering the remark and, in the days that followed, acknowledged the energy and skill Joshua brought with him. He was a true scientist; nothing was left to chance. But in the hours away from the laboratory, Eric saw another Joshua. This was a man filled with a passion to right a wrong. Scientific research began to take a back seat to politics. The social and political problems in America and the wars with the Arab world over Israel’s right to exist as a nation-state became the central issue of their discussions.

In their last few weeks together, the bonding of scientific research was transferred to a bonding about the future of Israel. This was the topic of discussion that had now lasted into the early hours of the morning. Both were still fired with enthusiasm, but both knew that it would be difficult to reach a compromise.

“Joshua,” Eric finally said, “I think we should call it a night. I have a meeting tomorrow with my staff to discuss the proposal I have drafted for the dean to incorporate an international center for science and technology at Caltech that I believe  Israel would support.”

“Don’t think about it too long. You should do this now,” Joshua replied.

Eric flashed him a look of surprise. “I’m listening Joshua. We seem to be on the same wavelength for the first time this evening. Do you have something specific in mind?”

A smile passed over Joshua’s face before he started to explain. “Eric, we, Israelis, put much more of our resources into research than you do in the States, but we can’t match your facilities.” He raised his hands and waved them in that all-familiar gesture that signaled there was no money available. “After all, we are a poor country.”

“But you have that capability.”

“Well, we do and we don’t,” Eric replied. “It is not always a question of money, but more of a question of who controls the money.”

“But you have captured my interest, Joshua. What do you have in mind?”

Joshua paused, and then said, “In the last week, when I was visiting one of your new computer firms in San Jose, I met a very close friend of mine who is an officer in my reserve unit in Israel. I think you should meet him so I invited him to review our research.”

“Who is your friend?” Eric asked.

“His name is Herman Shamir and he is a representative of Histadrut, the General Federation of Labor, in our country. He is very enthusiastic about your idea to promote a center for science and technology at Caltech.”

“Is he a scholar?” Eric continued his probe.

“No, he is a businessman. Israel purchases a lot of technology from firms in California, but Histadrut believes that it would be cheaper to train engineers in America who could then design the same technology for Israel.”

“What does Histadrut have in mind?” Eric asked, taken aback by the answer given and one that implied patent piracy.

“I’ll let him explain his position,” Joshua replied.

“If you are free to meet with him next week, I’ll give him a call and confirm the arrangements with you.”

“Never pass up opportunity,” Eric said. “For this good deed I’ll take the check.”

Eric and Herman Shamir met a few days later in the faculty lounge at the university. Eric was immediately struck by the resolute expression of Shamir’s face. He saw in Shamir a man with determination and a man dedicated to a cause. It alerted him to be cautious in what he said. Shamir, a veteran of the underground movement in World War II, quickly sensed this feeling, and in a deft, easy manner softened Eric’s ambivalent feelings by complimenting him about his proposal to develop an international center at Caltech.

Shamir proposed that Histadrut would provide funding for the center, with the understanding that Eric, in turn, would support the placement of Israeli nominees for available scholarships at Caltech, without question.

This linkage of funding and scholarships troubled Eric. He knew nothing about Shamir and had been briefed only in a general way about Histadrut. He was unprepared to give a reply, so he shifted the conversation back to Shamir.

“Mr. Shamir, I think, before I can talk about your proposal, I would appreciate it if you tell me more about your organization. When I meet with the dean, I want to be sure that all my bases are covered. I think you should also know that the proposal to establish an international center is still in the talking stage. We are thinking about it, but nothing is concrete.”

“Yes, I am aware of that, Dr. Kempner. Joshua told me about your frustrations but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe that you will accomplish your goal. Joshua spoke very highly of you.”

Eric’s face brightened after that remark, and he listened carefully to Herman Shamir’s overview of Histadrut.

“Our organization is the economic power of Israel. We control labor and we manage most of the economic firms in the country. Hard currency is in short supply so we constantly seek new investment funds from all sources to keep our industries competitive. We also invest in foreign firms and subsidiaries. Our objective is to see that Israel has access to all advanced technology and that is one reason why we are interested in establishing a joint program for the exchange and training of scientists with your institution.”

Now that he had Eric’s attention, he continued. “Caltech can quickly gain a new dimension in science if you promote an open-door policy for admitting foreign students. We know that America has excellent teachers and facilities for training scientists, but we have also observed that your students are either lazy or spoiled and do not look upon science as a lifetime career. Your life style puts more emphasis on fun and games than on hard work. For us it is different.”

“We are a small nation trying to survive. We have limited resources and cannot compete with you on a social and economic level. We must be creative in our approach to build and develop a nation. One resource we have is brainpower and we will take every means to see that this talent rises to the forefront. When I mentioned scholarships, I was talking about placing 100 of our students in Caltech every year. Clearly your institute is capable of handling this number, but is your institute willing to do this for us? Israel is a nation of talented people. You could do worse.”

Eric withheld making a personal commitment, but did say that he would review this proposal with the dean and together, maybe, they could move it to a higher level for consideration.

“I would like to know,” Eric added, “why did you select Caltech over other academic institutions?”

Shamir’s response was given with a smile. “Maybe it’s because people in California are more like people in Israel.” He made no reference to the high-tech industries or to the concentration of defense-related research in the area. Eric accepted the answer but he remained troubled by Shamir’s earlier suggestion that the proposed international center serve as a front for the special interests of one country and that he could be bought so easily because he supported scientific cooperation.

“Think about it seriously, Dr. Kempner,” Shamir said before he left. And Eric did just that. He recognized that any delay could be a costly one in the long run so, on the first occasion available to him, he raised the issue of a center again with Dean Johnston at the usual department head meeting on Monday morning.

“Dr. Johnston,” he noted, “you know how I feel about Caltech’s role in bilateral research. We should be doing something with all of the talent we have.” His eyes scanned around the room at his colleagues as he spoke. “Some of us are already actively engaged in collaborative research on nuclear science with foreign universities; others like myself have been approached by industries here in California to set up research think tanks for advancing the application of global scientific discoveries. It’s time to move ahead.”

Wizened in his years as an administrator, Dr. Johnston asked Eric how he would go about promoting the funding for such bilateral projects. This brought a pained look from Eric before he replied.

“I know that money is God in the academic world, so I have taken the liberty to discuss possible funding with a few local industry officials and with a staff member of Congressman Brown. Industry wants to be convinced that there is something to be gained in the research that matches its interests. Congressman Brown’s staff saw political gains. I might add too that there is a lot of new oil money flowing back into the United States from our friends in the Middle East. I believe that some of that money could be tapped for the center.”

“A few days ago I was approached by the Israelis about Caltech’s participation in a joint funding effort for a center, but I advised them that I could not take any steps to move ahead on this project without the support of the board. We can’t sit on this. I firmly believe that we should raise this issue at the next board meeting and try to get some reading from members about promoting a fund drive for the center that would include the alumni, local industry, or both.”

He got only a polite nod from Dr. Johnston, and the meeting ended without further discussion.

Sitting alone in his office at the university the next day, Eric let his mind wander through the maze of options available to him. He rubbed the back of his head, then crossed his legs several times trying to get comfortable in his chair, but he couldn’t relax and he couldn’t focus his thoughts on the present or future choices he had to make. Exhaling deeply to change his mood, he rose from his swivel chair and walked toward the window of his office that overlooked the campus.

There he saw a few students gathered around the steps of the student lounge, laughing and joking with each other. Still in a contemplative mood, he reflected how different the student world of today was from the organized protests against the draft and the Vietnam War that he had experienced during his graduate years at UCLA. Students today were more passive. There was no great public issue to distract their thoughts.

A period of reconciliation with the power elite had replaced the protests. One reason for this change in student attitude was the interest and emphasis on the high-tech revolution that was sweeping through the academic world

High-tech was in. Protests were out. Job benefits and immediate rewards fostered a renewed study ethic replacing the campus turmoil of the 1960s. Good grades now meant big bucks later.

Supporting causes was a normal choice for students and, just as he had been part of the big bash of the 1960s, he understood the present student desire to go with the tide in the current decade. This shift in thinking came with the change of the political establishment.

Pensive now, he reconstructed his career as a college professor. The first step was to gain stature and then tenure, but, in the process, he learned that a tenured job made one cautious and less likely to take risks.

He had no conflict with himself or with others at the moment, but he felt nostalgic for the past and the free expression associated with it. These moments of reverie lent to the thinking about his future.

He knew that he had talent that was marketable. There were tempting offers made to him from the private sector, but he still held an innate distrust of the military-industrial complex and inwardly opposed its political muscle. He had declined several lucrative offers made by big-name firms, but, after each occasion of refusal, he had experienced post-mortem regrets.

By electing to remain in the academic world, he could hold on to the freedom of expression he wanted. And he was now head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at a time when many of his former classmates were still floundering. Along with these credentials his colleagues identified him as the leading spokesman for expanding international research and promoting bilateral cooperation with foreign counterparts. This was a new and exciting field for him that led to his participation in a joint project with Joshua Calif.

That he had made some progress was gratifying, but he felt it was time to take new initiatives.  “It’s time to act,” he said to himself, as he pounded his hand hard on the top of his desk at the same time his phone rang. Both sounds startled him, but also brought him back to the real world.

The call was from Congressman Brown’s local office, and the secretary on the line asked to speak with Dr. Kempner. Eric identified himself and was asked to hold. In the seconds spent waiting for a response and hearing only the ticking noise of an empty line, he drummed his fingers on his desk and wondered about the reason for the call. A voice from the phone broke the silence.

“Dr. Kempner, this is Scott Baldwin from Congressman Brown’s office. How are you today?”

“Fine,” Eric replied. “It’s been a slow day. Anything exciting happening in the political world?”

“One never knows. There are a lot of skeletons in the cloakroom closets of our politicians and we are always surprised when any one of them is hung outside these walls to air. Politics is a rough game. That’s a side issue, Eric, and is not the reason for my call.”

“We haven’t heard from you for quite a while and I wanted to check with you about the progress you have made toward organizing an international center for science and technology on your campus. I think you understand from our last meeting that the congressman has a strong interest in this project.”

“Yes, I am aware of that,” Eric replied, “but I have to say candidly that very little movement has been made here. I can’t get the powers around the campus excited. When new money is involved, people get nervous and feel that their pet projects are threatened. Bureaucracy is also a rough game.”

“Too bad, Eric. Keep trying. Something may break for you one of these days. Let me get back to the real purpose of my call. The congressman wants to invite you to a reception he plans to hold for members of the scientific community before he goes back to Washington. I realize that this is short notice for you, but the congressman would like you to meet some of his important and influential friends. He would be pleased if you could accept.”

“What is the date and time?”

“The twenty-second, at six thirty in the evening.”

“Let me check my calendar.” Eric quickly glanced at his pocket calendar. “I’m free,” he said.

“Great. We will send a formal invitation.”

After accepting the invitation, Eric thought for a moment about the call. A few chance meetings with the congressman at social functions hosted by the academic community hardly qualified him to be placed on the congressman’s important persons list. He was, however, pleased with the interest shown in the promotion of an international center on the campus.

“Well, I’ll wait and see,” he mumbled, as he closed his pocket calendar again after noting the date and time.

One week later Eric found himself mingling with the hard-core supporters of Congressman Brown in one of the main conference rooms of the Hilton hotel in Los Angeles.

Surveying the crowd, he didn’t see anyone he knew, so he walked toward the bar. Scott Baldwin, trained to spot guests looking lost, spied Eric standing alone near the bar. He extended his hand and, after an exchange of niceties, moved Eric to a circle of men standing nearby. Introductions were quick and casual and, in the exchange of backgrounds, someone in the group uncovered Eric’s interest in international science. This led to a question by a short man with thick lips and a rounded face about the cozy relations that seem to be developing between the U.S. scientific community and the U.S.S.R. under the aegis of détente.

“You mentioned an interest in scientific exchanges, Dr. Kempner. Do you think that we should share our scientific knowledge with the Soviets? Is there anything to gain from such an exchange?”

Eric raised his eyes to the man who asked the question, seeking to identify if there was a real or only casual interest in the subject before answering. What he saw was enough to warn him to escape and evade. This was a hard-line approach to a sensitive issue and raised by a man who appeared ready to argue against a favorable reply.

From this line of questioning, it became clear that the purpose of this reception was to promote U.S. – U.S.S.R. relations. The politics of trade and détente were the dominant topics of conversation.

Eric dodged questions about Caltech’s position on these issues by deftly shifting from one group to another, listening to opinions but offering only a token response in return.

He had that uncomfortable feeling of being in the wrong place, and he began to search the hall for someone with whom he could share his ideas about scientific exchanges without being pressured for political answers. So, with a drink in hand, he edged himself toward the large buffet table that attracted the hungry and the bored. Nibbling randomly at the gourmet food in front of him, he was approached by a heavyset, broad-shouldered man, about twenty pounds overweight for his size, but clearly a man with a personable smile.

“Hello, Dr. Kempner,” he said, as he offered his hand. “You probably don’t remember me, but I attended the series of lectures on microwaves that you presented this year on your campus. My name is Milo Stuart. I am a representative of Malco Industries. Our office is located in Silicon Valley. We specialize in the production of electronic equipment that is purchased by the Department of Defense for use in sophisticated weapons.”

“I am pleased to meet you,” Eric replied. “Did you find the lectures useful?”

“Yes indeed, quite useful. You are a good speaker.”

“Thank you,” Eric replied, pleased by the compliment. He waited a moment, then asked, “Are you a friend of the congressman?”

“Yes, and my company definitely supports his effort to extend international cooperation. We like his thinking for broadening scientific exchanges and promoting trade. It fits our firm’s interests. We do contract work for several countries in the Middle East and we have a joint venture arrangement with Israel’s Histadrut. No doubt you have heard of this organization.”

Eric nodded and responded. “It appears to be a well-connected and financed organization.”

“And politically powerful too,” Stuart added.

Eric looked searchingly at Milo Stuart after that remark, but said nothing.

“Congressman Brown told me that you are the founding effort at Caltech for developing a center for science and technology. Is that true?”

“Funding is a better choice of words, but yes, I am actively engaged in the promotion of a center. It is a slow going operation. I find it is easy to find professional interest in international activities, but it is difficult to get a commitment of funds from institutions or firms who would be willing to sponsor participants. Is your firm ready to become a sponsor?”

“Perhaps, if you can give me some assurance of trade possibilities.”

“Well,” Eric paused before he replied, “trade was never considered to be the main focus of the center.”

Milo Stuart frowned, but continued to probe deeper.

“Dr. Kempner, I couldn’t help overhearing the remarks you made this evening about détente. I was standing directly behind you when you made them. Do you think that our policy makers are ready to deal with the Soviets in order to open up trade? I have heard through the grapevine that there is some negotiation going on about linking credits from the U.S. government in return for a more open emigration policy for Jews who wish to leave the Soviet Union. Is that a correct interpretation?”

Eric felt uneasy and knew he was being tested about his knowledge of a policy issue. The question was too obvious. Stuart wanted information, not an opinion.

“The Jewish question is a separate issue from scientific exchanges, Mr. Stuart, but it is true that Congress is debating a trade bill that includes the availability of credits to Communist countries that comply with agreements on human rights. A linkage that includes the free emigration of Jews with credits is always a possibility.”

“Well, if you think my firm can assist you in the promotion of a center, Dr. Kempner, give me a call.” He handed Eric his business card and walked away.

Eric looked at the card before putting it into his pocket, noting the unusual logo on the card: a mushroom-like cloud that seemed to be hanging over a light globe. That’s a strange logo for an electronic firm, he thought, but then dismissed the thought from his mind.

He decided there was no real reason for staying any longer, but he did not want to leave the reception without thanking his host.

Searching the hall, he finally spied Congressman Brown talking to a group of people near the bar. As he neared the bar, Congressman Brown’s eyes met his and almost, in an instantaneous response, extended his hand to Eric, addressing him by his first name. Then deftly taking Eric aside, whispered to him that he would arrange to meet with him in a short while, pointing to a small room apart from the large reception hall.

When the two men were finally alone, Congressman Brown placed his hand on Eric’s shoulder in a friendly manner. Eric felt trust.

“I have been hearing a lot of good reports about you, Eric, from your friends in the scientific community. All speak highly of your efforts to promote joint international scientific cooperation. I believe you know that I support this program, and would like to extend it to the U.S.S.R.. The House Committee on Science and Technology has started discussions with the White House science advisor on an agenda of issues that could be reviewed jointly with the Soviet Union.”

“The political infighting in Washington over such a policy position is quite feisty. There is a power struggle among competing agencies for the lead position. I anticipate a lot of maneuvering by the State Department about its principal role in the formulation of a science policy applicable to the Soviet Union. At this time, neither the White House nor State can agree on who will lead the pack, so I expect both parties will use delaying tactics. This scenario is not unusual in politics and I am prepared to fill the void. What I have in mind is to raise the level of the committee’s role in this decision process and use the power of the purse to get things done our way.”

Eric listened intently to a man he viewed as a mover and a shaker. Congressman Brown raised his voice a bit. “My plan is to cooperate with the State Department and support its role as the policy leader on this issue. For my support, I want State to appoint someone from the scientific community to serve as the science counselor in Moscow. My position is to let State know that, in order to get funding for this new position in the embassy, the person nominated must be a trained scientist, must be knowledgeable about scientific organizations in the Soviet Union and in the United States, and must be a recognized member of the U.S. scientific community.”

Eric stood still waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it did when the congressman said, “Eric, I have had my staff do some exhaustive research on possible nominees. Your name repeatedly came up as the most acceptable candidate.”

Surprised, but inwardly pleased, Eric’s heart skipped a few beats and it showed. Congressman Brown smiled, sensing Eric’s feelings. “I know this is something you did not expect to discuss today, so, before you respond, let me state that none of these deliberations have been raised outside of my office. I want to assure you that if you accept, your position at the university will not be in jeopardy.”

Eric thought about all of the unknown supporters for his center, thought about his career, thought about the decisions he had reviewed in his mind, but thought most seriously about the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Congressman Brown” he said, finally finding his voice, “I am unprepared for this moment and I am flattered by your complimentary remarks. It isn’t an every day occurrence for me to be taken into such confidential matters of state. I feel comfortable with what I have heard and there is no reason why I can’t accept your offer.”

“Then your answer is yes.”

He nodded in agreement, adding, “I am sure there are a hundred or more problems that I don’t even dare think about before I can take the final step and one of them is my contract with Caltech.”

Congressman Brown spoke softly. “The power of politics can serve many ends, Eric. When you have power, use your position wisely and never underestimate your opponents. I can assure you that the wheels are already greased with the best oil in California to ensure your appointment. We will need a little time to get the State Department in line and to get protocol concurrence from the Soviets before you will be on your way. I will assign my staff to work out these administrative matters immediately and I will take care of your contract with Caltech personally.”

“Now then,” he said, as he turned toward the door. “welcome into the fold of politics.”