‘You didn’t care about the Jews. Your anti-Semitism was well known and documented.’

‘I confess it and once again I am ashamed. I spoke with ill-judged hostility against the Jews, and I am not proud of my prejudice, but I was one among millions. The funny thing is my family never had a problem with Jews. My parents had Jewish friends. My wife even denounced Hitler to his face for the treatment of the Jews in Amsterdam, and was banished from his presence.’ He shook his head. ‘Jah, I am ashamed. I was a coward – I closed my eyes to things I should have seen. Those people did not deserve their fate. We all have much to be ashamed about . . .’

‘So perhaps you might begin to atone for your transgressions by telling me what you know about your friend Julius Boden, the famous SS officer.’

‘What do you want to know?’

‘Let’s start at the beginning. How did you come to know him?’

‘We lived not far from each other in southern Bavaria. I have properties in Kochel-am-See and nearby on the banks of Walchensee. His hometown – village really – is a few miles to the south, in the Alps.’

‘Which village would that be?’

‘Schwarzenkirche – Black Church in English. In the mountains, just on the German side of the border with Austria. His family has lived there for generations and is very wealthy. They are dairy and beef farmers with large holdings. Before the war, he was talking about branching out into ski tourism. It would be a good spot, perhaps the new Kitzbühel or Alpbach – it is very beautiful.’ He paused, then gave a full smile. ‘Professor, I am happy to tell you everything I know. I very much want to cooperate with the Allies, not just to save my neck, but because we must admit our sins if ever we are to regain our place among the civilised nations. But can I ask you one thing: who suggested you talk to me?’

‘Hans Fritzsche.’

‘Really? But I hardly know the man. Is he interned somewhere?’

‘He’s held by the Soviets. He is to be brought here to stand trial alongside you.’

‘On what charge? He was nothing but a voice on the radio.’

‘I am sure all will become clear when the indictments are read out.’

‘Fritzsche, huh? If he is a war criminal, then every German adult is a war criminal. He is a nobody. An unpleasant character, yes, but of no importance in the hierarchy of the Third Reich. Hardly in the league of Goering, Ley, Ribbentrop, Streicher and the generals.’

‘To get back to Julius Boden. Where exactly did you meet, and when?’

‘Have you heard of Colin Ross?’

‘Yes, I’ve heard of him. He’s a travel writer.’