The Rhythm of the Stone

by James H Bird

  “In each country these secret military services operate their anti-Communist army in collaboration with CIA and SIS. MI6 recruited for the CIA and SIS stashed caches of weapons. These operations are unknown by parliaments and populations. … However, most government leaders are involved,” Kline said, paused for a minute reviewing his notes while tapping his pencil. “In Soviet Russia there exists a samizdat an under…”

  “A what?”

  “A samizdat is a Russian word for an informal underground network that prints and distributes clandestinely government-suppressed collected works. We collect a lot of data that requires vetting. ” The Colonel shows a slight smirk, “You’ve been added to the mailing list.”

  “Ok.”

  “The secret army’s commanders modeled their armies after the British Special Operations Executive. During the War Operatives parachuted into enemy-held territory accessed hidden weapons buried by partisans and fought behind enemy lines.”

  “I parachuted once, back in the states … it was static line, it was cool man,” Dean said with his shoulders back with a little grin.

  “We know,” Kline said, briefly clenching his fist. He looked at his paper.

  “Yes Sir.”

  “If the Soviets and their Warsaw Pact forces invade, the secret Gladio agents or armies under NATO command will form a stay-behind network. They will operate behind enemy lines and take on the dictatorship’s and communist’s governments.”

  “They are a hard bunch to grasp and the west will never trust them. Churchill said about Russia … they are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,” Dean said.

  “That’s correct.” Colonel Kline said. “That is why it is crucial to keep tabs on their proxy armies. Most of the NATO forces can at least slow a Soviet invasion then rely on stay behind partisans to cause trouble. This brings me back to Spain. They are vulnerable and the Soviets know this. We have evidence that the Russians are using local sympathizers as proxies to act in the same stay-behind capacity as the NATO operatives.

  “Stay-behind? …. Umm …. NATO?”

  “Yes. They would stay home when the Soviets and Warsaw Pact forces invaded. They would act as a resistance force in Spain.”

  “Like the French during the War…”

  “Yes like the French and Italian resistance. … During the war Western Europe had underground resistance forces and networks formed after the Nazis invaded.” Colonel Kline looked at the man by the door.

  “When Germany was defeated, NATO used the term 'Fifth Columns' to designate the Communists secret armies. However, secret warfare experts criticized the West's for letting Communist Fifth Columns operate in its midst. Hence NATO with CIA and MI6 help created counter Left secret armies. … Like I said, they have operated continuously since shortly after the war. When Franco died they popped up in Spain.”

  “Would there be some sort of Vichy government if they succeed against NATO. Like Pol Pot in Cambodia? He had little respect for human life and dignity.”

  “Perhaps, Pot is a butcher,” Kline said. He wiggles his pencil between his fingers, “There’s spies everywhere planted by these Fifth Columns.”

  Dean looked down at his briefcase, “And the Stasi in the east?” He pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

  Kline did not say a thing for a few moments, “Yes, except they work for the KGB… Bonn, London and Washington elements keep an eye on them.” The colonel became quiet then said, “You will learn more about the KGB on Canary. Remember Gladio is who you need to worry about.”

  Dean pondered this news a few moments. Secret armies from both the east and west in Europe with hidden weapons, ammunition and explosives caches. His legs became restless causing him to shuffle. “This clarifies my clearance upgrade. Nobody would explain the elevation but I didn’t give it much thought at the time. The papers came across my desk and I signed them. I thought it was routine.”

  “There is not much that is routine in this business,” Kline spoke nonchalantly while he looked at a paper on his desk.

  “Why didn’t the media or rival politicians rat these criminals out?” Dean adjusted his briefcase shoulder strap that he had specially made. “I mean governments murdering their own citizens who pay taxes. None this makes sense to me.”

  “It’s called a strategy of tension. Only a few perhaps one percent of the world population know this strategy. Mostly military and intelligence officers and a handful of journalists … We don’t trust Spain’s military. Some are Francoist and they are extremely upset over this communist issue. They suffer from limited ammunition and fuel.”

  “The same as before Guernica.”

  “Correct. Their mission is to strengthen and set up local resistance movements, evacuate shot-down pilots and sabotaging supply lines. They prepared communication networks, escape routes, stockpiled weapons, and sabotage plans.” The Colonel flipped the paper over. “Warsaw Pact forces will destroy military production and command centers with explosives or with other means,” Kline said.

  “How large are these armies,” Dean said while holding up quotation marks on ‘armies’.

  “We don’t know that’s your mission,” Kline said. “Not large we guess.” After a long pause he continued, “They will commit terrorists’ activities normally against political Left wing opponents. Part of their agitprop and psychological warfare propaganda campaign.” Kline paused for a moment.

  “Ok.”

  Colonel Kline continued, “Another problem I alluded to earlier. We don’t trust Spain’s military. Some have Francoist leanings and they are extremely upset over this communist issue possibly taking over. They are suffering from limited ammunition and fuel. This was Franco’s old practice and continues today. Probably the only holdover from Franco’s regime. He did this preventing them from staging a coup, ironically ammunition shortages is how he gained power.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  The Colonel narrowed his eyes, “They consider themselves a superior political force empowered to monitor government decisions and intervene in some way. We hope they will act professionally stay out of politics and focus on their respective branches.”

  Unidentified man cleared his throat. The Colonel gave him a quick glance.

  Kline continued, “Some diplomats think if Spain were in NATO, its armed forces would leave politics to politicians. Spain’s military command is resisting joining NATO. The older commanders in the army and navy aren’t comfortable with restructuring commands at their age. They fear a modernized NATO leads to civilian control over forces.”

  “Maybe they should retire,” Dean said.

  “The government in Madrid worries about the costs to modernize armed services. They want the United States to foot the bill. The king and Premier removed a rigid Francoist vice premier, the defense forces director. They replaced him with Lieutenant General Manuel Gutierrez Mellado, a professional soldier. We think he will accept change.”

  “They are a monarchial democratic country now.”

  “Mr. Spalding your biggest problem is the police. Ten thousand or more Guardia Civil, a paramilitary rural force, roam Spain. The Policía Armada the city riot police numbers around 34,000, and 10,000 plainclothesmen. These guys mainly eliminate leftist elements. They all carry submachine guns. Their constant vigil on city streets makes Spain look more like a police state.”

  “Sounds like everywhere I turn I’ll be surrounded by heavily armed cops,” Dean said.

  “Oh yeah,” Kline said with authority and certainty. He nodded his head in earnest. “You must be extremely careful when dealing with police. If you say something stupid or blow your cover you will spend the rest of your life a political prisoner rotting in a Spanish jail … or worse rewarded by a stint in a labor camp and exile. We will not be able to get you out and you won’t be able to go home,” Kline said grimly and looked Dean in the eyes. “I had to tell you that.”

  “Understood sir.”

  “You will never associate with any political part
y, friendship society, or other organization considered favorable to Franco’ services or any other foreign entity,” the Colonel warned.

  “Any problems with me being a diplomatic mission employee?” Dean asked.

  “No they will respect your diplomatic immunity… maybe. Remember you are on a religious pilgrimage, the reason we recruited you.”

  “Ok, good.”

  Kline began reading from a document, “You will have dual roles. You will act a clandestine courier and as reconnaissance specialist. Report telegraph lines and wireless telegraphy resources. Look for coal, repair facilities, land transportation, electric plants, food supplies, water supply, and hospitals. Harbor conditions steamers, wharves, docks, and water service. Gather and report the population information such as secret service, professions and occupations, naval and military forces. Existing defensive locations as much information has you can gather.”

  “I highly doubt there will be defensive positions on the Camino,” Dean said.

  “Just keep your eye open son. We need this information to develop situational awareness and commander critical information requirements,” Kline said then looked at Dean, “Again, we will teach you how to accomplish with efficiency.” The Colonel handed Dean another a file, “Here these documents are classified they will provide with more detail. They cannot leave the grounds.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Questions?”

  “No sir.”

  “Good. Ok, since Franco's death the Guardia Civil and the Policía Armada are following instruction from the government. They have been actively putting down leftist and provincial demonstrations, usually brutally. They will attack any civilian groups, whether partisans or bystanders. We know off-duty policemen have joined roving gangs, terrorizing Basque towns. Where you will be traveling indecently.”

  “Ok, yes sir, I got cha. Sentence first, verdict afterward,” Dean said letting out a long sigh.

  “Exactly. Stay away from any crowds, especially demonstration, for safety stand back and photograph the scene. Be careful, I don’t want some consulate flunky calling me saying they’ve got your boy,” The Colonel said this as if he were delivering a threat.

  “Yes sir.”

  “Report immediately if you hear or see anything concerning the military regaining or asserting their political power. They are an extremely secretive bunch… Like I said, they like the changes, fear communist rule and think the king is weak. He’s not of course. If you military type huddled over a table make note of it and let know the details.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Dean contemplated what just Kline had just laid out. Right-wing groups targeting political opponents would mean carrying out terror attacks against their own people using stashed weapons caches. Assassinating politicos and Left wing group leaders associated with KGB. Strategy of tension that targets helpless populace emotions. A terrorist attack in a public place, such as a railway station, a market place, or a bus, is the preferred technique. He had read about these attacks from internal embassy briefs and press reports. After attacks secret agents who carried out the crime blame it on political opponents by removing and planting evidence.

  Targeting civilians would frightened people into demanding more security. Governments would reduce civil liberties in state security interests. The heart of psychological warfare. Often carried out by a group other than the one blamed. They would infiltrate the enemy, then carry out atrocities in its name. This fits into their anti-communists narrative. He began to piece it together. Spontaneous combustion. Many hidden bodies in an underground war.

  Dean continued, “I’ve read the reports. I think these groups spring out from the extremely poor class … you know the lumpen proletariat. … Complicated man, I know.”

  “What do you know? …. Man?” Kline said mockingly, lowering his chin.

  Dean ruffled through his hopelessly unorganized leather lawyer style briefcase retrieving his notebook. “I’ve got more on I think.” Dean dug back into his briefcase, “Here… nope that’s not it. Ah! The Red Brigades, another Leftist group created by Renato Curcio and Alberto Franceschini in 1970.” Dean grinned, “I think I butchered his name…. Anyway …. They sought to create a revolutionary state. And the Red Army Faction the umm … Baader-Meinhof Gang. They get quite a lot press.”

  “They all want press. They sow dragon’s teeth to create fear,” Kline said amused by Dean’s file and retrieval system.

  “Yeah, they were a far-left militant group too. Started around 1970 by Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler, and Ulrike Meinhof.” Dean started digging around in his briefcase again.

  Dean then tossed his notebook into his case, frustrated, “Yeah, but what does this have to do with Spain!”

  “We talked about ETA threats.”

  Dean started digging around his case again.

  “Hold on Mr. Spalding. I have more information than you possibly find in that … that whatever is in that bottomless pit of press clippings you’ve collected.”

  “I have more in the skiff back at the office man,” Dean said and pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “I have collected material mostly on Italy. They have been suffering terrorist attacks since 1969 mostly against conservatives. The Leftist group Red Brigade, but something doesn’t add up.”

  Colonel Kline huffed, “Because, we believe at least, the Red Brigade didn’t do it. They took the fall for attacks but sources tell us the responsibility lies with others. The brigade’s primary political enemy is Italian Communist Party, they carried out the attacks.”

  “Then blamed the Red Brigade. Wow!”

  The Colonel set down his papers, let out a heavy breath, reached over and picked up a second file.

  “Are you following me so far Mr. Spalding?”

  Dean tilts his head, “I think so sir.”

  “Ok, you will have a chance to go through this depth on Canary. … You know about the Peteano attack on May ‘72, when three members of Italian paramilitary police, the Carabinieri were killed.”

  “Yes, again blamed on the Red Brigade.”

  “Correct. However, Catholic neo-fascist Vincenzo Vinciguerra, a militant anti-communist, carried out the crime.”

  “The Catholics think communism is godless and be eradicated from the planet … apparently by any means necessary,” Dean said, crossing his brow.

  “You are correct again. Vinciguerra is a member of a private Italian fascist organization, Ordine Nuovo or New Order, which has established close relations with the Italian military intelligence service.”

  “Since they’re anti-communists they would be on our side.”

  “Yes. We do everything possible to support them.”

  Dean stood with his head tilted and pursed his lips. “Umm … yeah I guess but what does any of this have to do with Spain? … Huh? … There’re not NATO members like we said,” Dean said he loosened his tie again and rubbed the back of his neck.

  “I’m getting to NATO … that’s where you come in.”

  “OK,” Dean tried hiding his confusion and anxiety but is lousy at poker. He feigned a smile. He wished to sit down and have a cool drink.

  Colonel Kline took a minute reading over his notes slowly rocking his chair. Like most government chairs, it squeaked. The Colonel cleared his throat.

  “OK, here we go … here it is. Spain’s Gladio version we believe is something called Estocada but we haven’t been able to confirm this. Look out for it. Especially around San Sabastian but along the trail too. They use it to move around as a sort of cover.”

  “Like me.”

  “Precisely. As I said earlier, record everyone you meet,” Kline looked back to his notes. “Spain after the 1936 elections was slipping into Socialists, Communists in the grip of anarchists and church-burners. Three years later Franco installed a military dictatorship.”

  “The International Brigade gave ‘em a run.”

  “Yep, that’s right. The battle was long and intensive because large segment
s of the Spanish population took up arms against Spanish military. Because the International Brigades formed spontaneously helping Republican resistance to Franco. They were hopelessly disorganized. Idealistic young men and women, from more than 50 countries around the world with little formal training. They never had a chance.”

  “Hemingway,” Dean said thoughtfully.

  Kline gave Dean a blank look and continued, “Some elements survive today and we have reports they are organizing.” Kline opens a folder and pulls out 8 x 10 black and white photographs. “These satellite images showing Italy and Spain particularly Northern Spain given to us by the NSA we use for tracking their movements. We have been tracking individuals and equipment movements from Rome across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Barcelona on Costa Brava. You will see more classified aerial photographs in time.” Kline said thoughtfully, he scratched his chin.

  “Ok.”

  “Anyone mentioning a fifth … Do you know what a Fifth Column is?”

  “Yes sir. It’s a term describing the fight against the Communists in Europe.”

  “Actually it originated during the Spanish Civil War. Franco had four columns approaching Madrid and he had a general broadcast that a secret fifth column is hiding inside the city.”

  “Uh, sneaky,” Dean said, chuckling.

  “Yeah here put this with your files. You can read up on it,” Kline said and handed the document to Dean.

  “Thank you.”

  “We have come up with a cover name for you and the proper documentation. Use it all times henceforth.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Kline opened his lap drawer and laid a passport, international driver’s license, Georgia state driver’s license, government ID card, student ID card, social security card and travel orders. Kline slid these across the desk.

  Dean picked up the passport. It was worn and had customs stamps from many countries in Europe and the Americas.

  “You need to sign it on page two with tour new name.”

  “I know.”

  Kline huffed, “You are now known as Dirk Thomas Wilson to strangers or anyone for that matter that you meet. Practice signing that name so comes naturally.”