"Probably not. But I hope it will not be necessary to invoke that law.
Simply to inform the Dutch Foreign Minister of the presence of an
American whose passport had been revoked but who refused to give it up,
would be sufficient for my purpose."
He reflected for a moment, and then said, smiling:
"I don't refuse to give it up. Here it is. Now tell me what I shall do without a passport.
"Thank you. Fortunately I have authority to give you an emergency passport, good for a month, and covering the return voyage to America."
"But I don't want to go there. I want to go on to Berlin."
"Unfortunately I fear that will be impossible. Your old passport is invalid and will not carry you over the Dutch border. Your new passport cannot be made out for Germany. Your best course is to return home."
"I see. But have you any right to arrest me and send me to America?"
"None whatever, my dear sir. Please don't misunderstand me. This is just a bit of friendly advice. 'Your country needs you.' You naturally want an early chance to tell Washington what you have told me. The Rotterdam is a very comfortable ship, and she sails for New York the day after to-morrow. I have already bespoken an excellent room for you. Do you accept?"
"Yes, and thank you for the way you have put the matter. But do you think they will arrest me when I get to New York?"
"Probably not. But to help in forestalling that unpleasant possibility I will cable Washington that you are coming at once, of your own free will, and anxious to tell the whole story."