by Morris West
The first thing I had to remember was that I had no executive authority at all. I was, in the final analysis, a private contractor, providing my linguistic skills and my practice as a negotiator to bring about an agreement between my clients and other parties. I could advise and interpret. I could not dictate what they should do. If they declined my counsel I would still be paid. Unless they were engaged in criminal activity, they could still enforce the contract against me, at least to the extent of excluding me from offering the same service in the same industry, and certainly by proceeding against me for any breach of business confidence.
Before going back to the hotel I called in at my office. There were two messages on my desk. The first was a fax from Sir Pavel Laszlo in Sydney.
Australian share market deeply depressed by new wave of big bankruptcies, high interest rates and depressed markets for primary exports. Japanese investors are curtailing both current and planned investment. Tanaka interests here are still functioning normally; however, there are rumours here of severe disagreements among financial leaders and increasing isolation of Tanaka interests. Was unable to contact Tanaka at weekend but shall try again today, Monday. Meantime, would appreciate your opinion as informed observer with Western viewpoint. Best, Laszlo.
I couldn’t help chuckling at the sheer gall and chutzpah of the man. If he wanted something – of man or woman – he asked for it. Sometimes he would get his face slapped, most times he got at least a usable answer. This time, however, he would get nothing from me until my own problems with Tanaka had been solved. My loyalties were divided enough already.
The second message was from the Commercial Attaché at the Australian Embassy. He would like me to call him back. He had news for me.
‘After our meeting yesterday, I spoke to my chief in Canberra. As I expected, he’s ready to do handstands in the park if that will help to shift our agricultural surpluses. He’s willing to discuss, without prejudice, any financial formulae you care to bowl up to him. Also, as you suggested, he’s going to call Sir Pavel Laszlo to get his view on the situation. So, for what it’s worth, I thought you should have a progress report.