"Oh, quite!" he said. "We've known for some time that Hitler was going to strike at Russia. When he does it will of course be quite a surprise to the rest of the world. Particularly to your civilian military experts back in America, Dawson. They've been having a jolly fine time on the radio and in the newspapers solving the Stalin riddle. Yes, I fancy they'll be the most surprised of the lot. And they'll be very annoyed at Adolf for not playing the game according to their views. However, be that as it may, we know definitely that Hitler is going to make war on Russia, and soon!"
The Group Captain paused and plucked at his lower lip as though deciding upon his next words.
"Tremendous in size as the German army is," he said presently, "it is not big enough for Hitler to wage intensive warfare on two fronts. He has not enough men, or enough material. It will be absolutely essential for him to withdraw a certain number of his forces from the occupied countries. And, when I say forces, I mean the Luftwaffe forces in particular. Now, if Hitler were to withdraw a large portion of his ground and air forces from the occupied countries what, in your opinion, would be the result, eh?"
The Group Captain happened to be looking straight at Dave, so it was the Yank born R.A.F. ace who answered.
"It would present a perfect opportunity for a British invasion of the Continent, sir," he said after a moment's thought.
"And you, Farmer?" the Group Captain asked, turning to the English youth.
Freddy flushed and looked slightly embarrassed, but he nodded his head.
"I say the same as Dawson, sir," he replied. "It would be a perfect opportunity for us to invade the Continent ... provided we have sufficient troops, guns, and planes for the job."
"And do you believe we have, Farmer?" the Air Ministry official shot at him.
Freddy opened his mouth to speak, then closed it and shrugged.