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About to leave for the day, Metcalf was in the act of snapping closed his briefcase His eyes narrowed in apprehension at recognizing Alan Mercier, as standing in the doorway

"Of course, please come in and sit down"

The President's National Security Adviser"I have so to like"

Metcalf sighed "Bad news seems to be the order of the day lately What is it?"

Mercier handed hi several sheets of typewritten paper and spoke in a soft, hurried voice "Orders direct from the President All American forces in Europe iven you twenty days to draw up a plan for total withdrawal from NATO"

Metcalf slumped into his chair like a man struck with a hammer

'It's not possible" he mumbled "I can't believe the President would issue such orders!"

"I was as shocked as you are when he dropped the bomb on me," said Mercier "Oates and I tried to reason with him, but it was useless

He's de and cruise anization"

Metcalf was bewildered "But what about our Western alliances?"

Mercier esture with his hands "His outlook, one I've never heard him voice before, is to let Europe police Europe"

"But good God!" Metcalf snapped in sudden anger "He's handing the entire continent to the Russians on a gold tray"

"I won't argue with you"

"I'll be damned if I'll comply"

"What will you do?"