IWCF 044 Against the Middle

The Communists for the FBI, starring Dana Andrews, had an exciting tale of danger and espionage. I was a Communist for the FBI. Many of the incidents in the story you're about to hear are based on the actual records and authentic experiences of Maths Savetic Open nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the FBI. Here is our star, Dana Andrews as math Savetic. Nine years isn't a long time to the average American living a normal life, but a communist for the FBI doesn't live a normal life, and nine years of fear intention seems an eternity. The few is all personal. The greatest fear is that those you're trying to protect will fail to recognize their danger, refuse to realize that communists are dedicated to the elimination of personal liberty wherever it exists. If you are one of those who has refused to believe, listen to my story with an open mind. It should open your eyes because it's part of the story of communism. In a moment, listen to Dna Andrews as mat Sabatic undercoverman. Now Here is. Dena Andrews as Matt Sabatic under This story from the Confidential Pile is marked against the middle. It's Tuesday evening and I'm walking my tight rope again, crossing the chasm between communism and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I've just come from a cell meeting where I've received instructions and the gentle art of starting a riot, and I'm getting cleaned up before going out to meet my FBI contact. When I'm interrupted by a knock at the door. I'll be with you in a second. Oh, come in. You seem surprised to see me, Comrades Stik. I am Comrade Horton. I was about to go out and we got. Here just in time. This is Comrade Corlescue. Commrades Setic. How do you do? It? Is my pleasure, comrade. Comrade Colesque has just arrived from Europe. The special assignment in which you will cooperate, Commande Sthetic. What is the assignment? To begin with? Commrace Critic. Since you are to accompany me to Chicago, leaving immediately would be well for you to pack while I outline our mission. I don't see how I can live immediately, Commrad what like? I have some unfinished party business. I need to look after it, and I will have to wait. Comrade Critic. Oh look, I should have told you, comment sthetic. Commrade Colesque is high in the ranks of the European MVD, and according to the directive I received from New York, his orders are to be followed without question. No, I didn't understand, Thank you, Comrade Wharton. You can go now. Thanks now, Comrade critic, if you will proceed with your packing, I will proceed with my outline. Of our mission. Right what about our mission, Commrack, I'll ask you. Well. Unbelievable as it may seem, Comrade Critic, dangerous reactionaries are still operating in one of the newest people's republics. A group in this country is supply the funds being used against us in that people's republic. There is much we can do about that, is eh, not against those in this country. However, once we know the names of those in Europe, we can end the movement overnight. And you're here to get the names of these European and communists from their friends in this country. That is our mission, Comrades Treading. That's how we're supposed to do this through operators we have managed to plant in the European organization. They have learned that the group leader in. This country is a doctor Zorni, who lives in Chicago. I have a letter of introduction. To the doctor from Vladimir Broughty, one of their most trusted European workers. Who happens to be one of our operatives. I see now we will have the fullest cooperation of the local party members, Comrade the best protection they can give us. But I am warning you this is a dangerous operation. If we are clumsy and get caught, doctor Zonni and his group will unquestionably eliminate us as we intend eliminating their studies in Europe. That sounds reasonable. Why I mention it because I do not want to depend on a comrade who. May weaken under stress. If you are a faith say so, I will get someone else. I'll go. I thought you would. We better go to the airport. I don't want any part of this assignment, but I have to take it because if I don't, someone else will, and the lives of some of our any communist friends behind the Iron Curtain or at stake. On the way to the airport, I try to get away from Carlsque long enough to phone the FBI, But there's no chance. There's no chance when we get off our plane in Chicago either, because local party members are waiting for us to drive us to an apartment house where they give us a briefing. Unfortunately, Comrades, we cannot give you too much information about doctors Ornie's group or its activities. He operates a bookstore specializing in technical works, and his whole establishment is exceptionally well guarded. Guarded how in the daytime, Comrade Carlscue, the store is filled with customers browsing among the books, the same customers each day, and at night the place is protected by burglar alarms with direct connections to the precinct police station. This has to be an infiltration job, all right, and even that as far from certain the favorable results. Carmence Veddick, one of our own cell members, joined doctor Zoni's group a month ago and failed to get any information. He didn't learn anything. We don't know. We only know that he was taken into the group four weeks ago. I haven't seen him since. Doctor Zhny blandly denies ever having heard of him. About all we can tell. You, then take us to the bookstore. Comra's retik and I have a job to do. As we drive from the apartment of doctor Zone's neighborhood, I can't keep my mind off the party member who joined Zony's group and disappeared without a trace. And I can feel my blood pressure pounding. In my temples as our car comes to a stop. Oh, comrades, this is as close as only his bookstore as we can take you without endangering your mission and your lives. We've both been to. The store inquiring about our missing comrade. If they saw you with us. Now, where's the bookstore? From here? The next street over, Comrade Calescue turns your right. It's in the middle of the block. You can't miss it. Come on, comrade stick, we will find out how my letter of introduction works. This is the place of that commrade. Do not call me comrade and play Joe Calescue and I will call you met. Okay, Joe, come on, I go right to the back of the store. Mat I should attacks attention. Okay, it help. It's the sort of attention we warmed. Well, what look as though you wanted some help. That won't be necessary, but you turn around, it'll be here. Hey, I thank you, gentlemen. We'd like to speak to doctor Zone. I am doctor Zonie, Sir. I'm afraid we need a little more identification than that. Uh, mister Barton, Yes, doctor please come here, and what is the doctor Zie? These gentlemen would like to have me identify it. I'm satisfied, Doctor Tony. Are you Joe? I guess so? Who are you? Sir? My name is Joe Carlesque. I have just arrived from Europe with a message from Vladimir Brodnick. I do not want to talk here. It is perfectly safe. Every man in the story is a trusted trend. Oh well, in that case, however, it is not very comfortable. I have living quarters in the back. We will go. There this way. Please, gentlemen, now, if you please, mister Calaska, the message from Brodnick here. Brodnick speaks highly of your work in the underground. Mister Caleski, What can. I do for you? Now? As I see it, Doctor, the question is what can I do for you? What do you mean, sir? I, together with my friend mister Setik, want to join your group of Patriotyrea in the United States and continue the work I was doing before I was driven out of Europe. I see Brodnick's letter does not mention mister Stetic. No, Brodnick did not know him. He is my cousin. We've never seen each other until Joe arrived a short time ago. When he told me what was actually happening in Europe. I gave up my job to come to Chicago with him. You sound like the sort of man we need badly. When do we start and what do we do? I admire your spirit, mister Sthetic, but I am afraid it is not that simple. I will have to take up this matter with the counselor how long will I take? Not long? Several of these those who saw browsing in the store are members of the council. Is it safe to have so many members of the. Group in a place where local communists can identify the doctor Joone? Quite safe, mister Calescu. Every one of those men has lost all of his relatives who were leaving behind the iron curtain, for there may be the purpose and immune to coercion. As for their personal safety, like myself, they all have permits which allow. Them to carry gents. I see now, please make yourselves at home while I pulled the council on your request. After doctor Zooni left, the minutes dragged by interminably, and although Carleskie and I were unable to discover their observation post, we knew we were being watched every second or any suspicious move Finally, when even Carleski began to fidget as his nerves responded to the silent pressure, Doctor Zooni returned to the room, accompanied by the man he had introduced as mister Barton. Gentlemen, your request has been presented to the council and did they accept us. The answer to that, mister Kleski, is yes and no. What does that mean, doctor Johny. Exactly what it sounds like, mister Static, You are being accepted as probationers in the movement. Well, that's a step in the right direction. When do we. Report you have already reported, mister Static. Huh for a time. Until the Council has clearly established your identities and your purpose in coming here, you must live here with me and expect suspicion. M Well, look, we came here as volunteers. If this is not doctor Johney is right. What Matt does not understand the precautions necessary in underground movements. Doctor. In America, only Communists have need for such knowledge, Mister Calestio, mister static, ignorance is a fine reference. Can we leave the house at any time for any reason? Doctor? Of course you can, mister spetic. But when you do, mister Barton must go with you. The lives of our friends in Europe depend upon our vigilance. I see any other restrictions only one. Communists have already tried to infiltrate our organization. Until the Council is absolutely certain of your motives, gentlemen, I must ask you to surrender the revolvers that so obviously bowled your coats. Now wait a minute, I would rather not, Doctor Zerney, I am afraid I must insist, mister Calescio, if you will direct your. Attention to mister Barton. You can see that he has you covered. And the council members are just outside the door. Now back to Danna Andrews starring as Matt Savedic and I was a Communist for the FBI, and the second act of our story. Mister Barton has recovered and the council members are just outside the door. That's all, doctor Zornie says. And he says that quietly, without any melodramatics. But come and Calescie and I know that we've had the word, and we give up our guns without any argument. Then wait to see what happens. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing for two nerve wracking days. I sit idly by while Leski was questioned about things that have happened behind the iron curtain. Apparently he passes the test. Good docter, noon, gentlemen, Good afternoon, doctor Journey. What's good about it? Doctor? I'm getting a little tired sitting in a back room looking at the walls. Still impatient. Mister Stetic, Well, I didn't give up my job to follow Joe out here just to sit around twiddling my thumb. Of course you didn't. By the way, what was this job you gave up, mister Stetic? Why? With an insurance company? I was a claim adjuster? Hm? What company, mister Stectic. Vally Center Mutual? Why? Just a routine now. Although we have not yet had any direct word from Vlader Brodnick, the council members are reasonably well satisfied with mister Calleski's response. To that questioning that at least is gratifying, Doctor Journey. Now, if you are still willing to accept group responsibilities and risks, we. Have a task for you. What's the job, doctor, I have an important meeting this afternoon. If meeting as which no Communist spies. Are desired, just how does this affect us? Doctor? Very directly, mister Swetic, two communists known to the group members have been taking an undue interest in. The bookstore for the past three days. Your job will be to keep them occupied, leading them away from the vicinity if possible, while I get away to keep my appointment. I see. Normally I would send mister Burton with you for protection, but I need mister Barton myself this afternoon. Give us back our guns and we won't need any other protection. We don't want any gun play, mister Swetic. We won't start any doctor, But if these Reds are as tough as you say they are, I don't want them to trail me away from this bookstore unless I have a gun. I can see your point. Your guns will be returned to you, But remember, if there is any shooting, except in un questions defense of your lives, we will turn you over to the police. There will be no shooting. Doctor Zernie. I am sure that mister Strettick and I can handle any Communist Party members without violence. I feel quite certain that you can, mister Calesciu. By this evening we will know the answer. That sounded like an expression of confidence in Doctor Zoorney and Carleski and I congratulated ourselves on the way we'd fooled our enemies, secretly signaling our comrades watching the bookstore to follow us. We led them to a place where we could talk, and we were unpleasantly surprised by their reaction. If Zornie was headed for an important meeting, you had no right so lead us away from the bookstore. Comrades. While this comes very close to deliberate sabotage, we'll have to report it. Go ahead, comrades, and I will report you as a couple of tickets who should be returned to the menial positions which you obviously belong. Comrade Carleski was in charge of the operation, Comrades. His orders are to be followed without question. But doctor Zonnie has been going to meet these for months without your learning anything. Our leading you away from the bookstore will gain as the confidence. Of the group. Are you making any progress, Comrade at list. Thanks to Comrade Critics and systems, they have returned our revolvers, but. Not our ammunition. What check your gun? You're right, comrade. When Zoonie said probation, he's certainly a minute. What caliber revolver do you carry? Comrade thirty eight Fleet Special? Give us your cartridges finally have those in the gun? You can get others. We can't give them to us. It's an order. Good now, were you able to learn anything at all? While I was being questioned, Comrade Critic. I ever heard Zonie asking Barton about a list of names names of the group's members. I don't know. Zone referred to it as a new list. Barton said he hadn't seen it. We are going back to the bookstart once. We just got out of there. And we are going back while doctor Zone, mister Buttner out. With them gone, we should be able to check the living quarters. S Thuly. This may be a trap, Comrade Carleski, a trap. Zarni and his group may have sent you out while they prepared an unpleasant surprise for your return. It's a possibility. Come right, are there any suggestions, Yes, why not send Comrades Veddick back first to spring the trap. If there is one, that's a happy thought, it would spare you for future party assignments, Comrade Karrleski, And. That is true. You are not always stick headed, comint. I, try to think of the party's best interest. Please remember that in your report to Comrade I shall what do you think of. The idea, Comrades Critick. I'm on an assignment. You tell me what to do, I'll do it. I am accepting the suggestion you return to the bookstore immediately. I will follow you in a half hour. If everything is all right, stand in the doorway under the pretext of looking for me and I will join you. What happens. If there is something wrong, I. Will praise you highly in my report, Perminent Trichy. I don't like the idea of being a possible played pigeon for doctor Zowni's group, but I consume myself with the thought that this does give me a chance to contact the FBI. Then I learned that this isn't much consolation after all. Sorry, Matt, we can't officially interfere in this matter. Why not? Political reasons Caleski is traveling on a diplomatic passport. Matter what our sympathies may be. We can't take sides unless someone breaks the laws. Of the United States. Naturally, if anything. Happens to you, thanks, Carleski has already promised to praise me and his report. How to have quite an obituary. I know what you're up against, Matt, but in this case, I can't give you any help. Or even protection. Any advice and it'll. Be a much help. Just try to stay out of trouble. If you can't make as much noise as possible, I'll tip off the precinct police to give a check the bookstore. After hanging up, I returned to the bookstore. Everything seems friendly enough, so I stand in the doorway as a signal to Carliski and he joins me. Then we walk directly to the living quarters and back. The council members are all smiles as we passed between them or I walk through the store. But as the door closes behind us, we hear the lock click. What was that? Only the lock on the door, mister Calliski, Doctor's only you seem surprised to see me, mister cask as. A matter of fact. We are a doctor. No one told us you had return. Did you have traveled? No violence, doctor, But after all communists are not fools. That is a matter of opinion. Mister Kaliski. Was you a meeting successful doctor? Very enlightening, mister sthetic. I will give you the details later. You did say you were a very close friend of Vladimir Brodnick, did you not, mister cas like. Brothers doctors er Nick? Have you heard from him again? Indirectly? And since the counsel is about to make its final decision concerning you too, I wanted to be sure of my facts. I am at your disposal, doctor. I feel quite certain of that, mister Carlestio. Now, if you too will. Make yourself comfortable, I will join the country. I am sorry you knew Brodnick so well, mister callesty. What could he have meant by that? I wish I knew. It didn't sound good? No? Did they take your gun away from you? No? Then give it to me. Our time may have run out. Well, if it has, I want a god, there is no time for argument. Give me your gun now. I will guard the door while you go through this on his papers. Look for the list of names. You want the names of the European underground. So our comrade Carlescue stands guard at the door. I ransacked doctor Zoie's desk, but I find no names. The voluminous correspondence carries on a code signature. Comrade, that must be a list of name somewhere no men could remember everyone and down the ground. Then I made two startling discoveries. I find a notebook containing the underground's table of organization, with all the names and corresponding code signatures. And I find a two page letter which reads, in part, the names attached are those of MVD spies who have been recently eliminated. Beware of anyone who contacts you giving any of these men as underground references. And at the top of the second page, I see the name of vladimirir Brodnick, the name Carlscue used this reference when we first met doctor Zoni. Suddenly it occurs to me, by throwing away the letter and giving Carlscue the list, I can protect the lives of the European underground workers. Well, well, haven't you found any names yet, Comrade, I just found a few. Good give them, don't put them in your pocket. I hear someone coming, then get ready to make a break for your comrade, Why did you get all the names? I got one list. There's a letter that warns again to the comp back for them. You won't get here right. Are you all right, Comrade Colesco, I'm alive. And what happened to you, Comrade Critic? Nothing much? I followed right behind you. You took most of the swings games at me. We were watching the bookstore, Comrade Colesco. Yes, we hadn't been there, you would have disappeared without a trace. Yes, comt Yes, the list of names you put in your pocket? Do you still have it? Yes? There are only a few. It's a start. It will convince the hierarchy. That Comrade Calesque accomplishes submissions. When I won't do. Comrade Brodnick much good? Why not? His name is at the top of the list. Let me see that list? Ah? Is it at top of the list? Wait till I get back to Europe with this. I always suspected Bredwick. This may not be the list we're looking for, Comrade Carlescius. The list I was looking for, Comrades Critick, the list that would eliminate comedy Brodnick and the rest of the traitor as swine. That was Carlscue, another typical Red idealist, the type whose party deal is always conditioned by a suspicion of everyone, and the suspicion reacted against Carlscue, as I learned from party repercussions after he returned to Europe. His charges against Brodnick, who had died a party hero at the hands of the underground, was officially interpreted as an attempt to cover his own failure, and he disappeared. It's a lonely life being a communist, but when you can't depend on friends and can't afford enemies, you're forced to walk alone. Dana Andrews will return in just a moment. This is Dana Andrews. Although we who live in the free world have not as yet been forced to an underground movement, it could happen here, and it will if we ever forget that the price of liberty its eternal vigilance to protect innocent persons. The names, dates, and places mentioned are fictitious, but the danger we want against is very real. Many of these stories are based on the fantastic experiences of Matt's Vedic. Next week we'll bring you another strange adventure. Join us, won't you.