"I thought . . . rather it was reported," Jesse Simmons said hesitatingly, "that Antonov was in Paris last week."

"Georgi stopped over in Paris for a brief conference with President LEstrange before continuing to Atar." He turned and looked at Fawcett. "By the way, Dan, that was a brilliant masquerade."

"We came within a hair of getting caught."

"For the time being, I'll deny the rumors of a double as too absurd to comment on. Everything will be explained to the press, but not before I'm ready."

Sam Emmett placed his elbows on the table and leaned toward the President. "Were you informed, sir, that the Eagle was sunk and its crew drowned?"

The President stared quizzically for a few moments. Then his eyes sharpened and he shook his head. "No, I wasn't aware of it.

I'd appreciate a full report, Sam, as soon as possible."

Emmett nodded. "It will be on your desk when we adjourn."

Oates struggled to keep his emotions in rein. That a high-level meeting of such enormous consequences to world foreign policy had taken place behind the back of the State Department was unthinkable. It was without precedent in anyone's memory.

"I think we'd all be interested in knowing what you and Georgi Antonov discussed," he said stiffly.

"A very productive give-and-take," answered the President. "The most pressing item on the agenda was disarmament. Antonov and I hammered out an agreement to halt all missile production and start up a dismantling program. We arrived at a complicated formula that in simple terms means they break down a nuclear missile and we match them on a one-for-one basis with on-site inspection teams overseeing the operation."

"France and England will never buy such a proposal," said Oates.

"Their nuclear arsenals are independent from ours."

"We will begin with the long-range warheads and work down," the President said, undaunted. "Europe will eventually follow."

General Clayton Metcalf shook his head. "On the face of it, i'd have to say the proposal sounds incredibly naive."

"It's a beginning," said the President adamantly. "I believe Antonov is sincere in his offer, and I intend to show good faith by pursuing the dismantling program."

"I'll reserve judgment until I've had a chance to study the formula," said Simmons.

"Fair enough."

"What else did you discuss?" asked Fawcett.

"A trade agreement," answered the President. "Briefly explained, if we allow the Russians to transport their agricultural purchases in their own merchant ships, Antonov promised to pay our farmers top world prices and, most important, not to buy from any other nation unless we fail to provide the goods as ordered. In other words, American farmers are now the exclusive suppliers of Soviet imported farm products."

"Antonov bought your package?" Oates asked incredulously. "I can't believe the old bear capable of giving away an exclusive license to any nation."

"I have his assurance in writing."

"It sounds great," said Martin Brogan. "But I'd like someone to explain how Russia can afford to make wholesale agricultural purchases.