Third Planet

by Murray Leinster

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THIRD PLANET

By MURRAY LEINSTER

[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of Tomorrow April 1963.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

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The aliens had lost their lives
to nuclear war—but their loss
might be the salvation of Earth!

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I

It was, as usual, a decision on which the question of peace or atomic war depended. The Council of the Western Defense Alliance, as usual, had made the decision. And, as usual, the WDA Coordinator had to tell the Com Ambassador that the Coms had won again. The WDA would not risk atomic war over a thirty-mile shift of a national border in southeast Asia.

"Perhaps," said the Com Ambassador politely, "it will be easier for you personally if I admit that our Intelligence Service has reported the decision of your Council." He paused, and added, "in detail."