(CHAPTER I)
LONDON: THE ODYSSEY BEGINS
Inherent in the doctrine of National-Socialism [is]
the spirit of humanity. . . . Fascism has the capacity to love. . . . Tolerance [is the] soapy water of
humanity.
Captain Robert Gordon-Canning
"We are here this afternoon to greet Captain Canning heartily. He is our distinguished guest, and a
sincere friend to our people. We immensely thank
him for his efforts. . . ."
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem
MY BUS rumbled past closely built old homes and bombedout buildings. Between them were empty lots, entirely gutted.
The aftermath of war lay upon London, this January day in
1948, like a tattered blanket. Buildings were unpainted, the
plumbing gone, the furniture creaky. To an American accustomed to lush advertising, the billboards, too, appeared
strange. They mirrored the plight of London three full years
after the end of the war.
GARMENTS MADE LARGE OR SMALLER. SUITS, OVERCOATS,
COSTUMES TURNED.
WASTE PAPER IS STILL VITAL. ARE YOU SAVING YOURS?
And then one poster that interested me particularly read: