The Forbidden Territory Read Free Page A

broke into a sudden smile. “I paid a visit to the London office of the ‘Intourist’, which, as you may know, is the official travel bureau of the Soviet. For some time now, Stalin and the present group of Kommissars have thought it desirable that people of the anti-Bolshevik states should be encouraged to visit Russia. For one thing they spend money which the Soviet badly needs—for another, they are shown certain aspects of the Bolshevik State, such as the great Metalurgical works, and scientifically run agricultural centres, of which the Kommissars are justly proud. It is hoped that they will return to their own countries with a glowing picture of the benefits of Communism for the masses.”
    “But you can’t just take a ticket and go to Russia, can you?” Simon spoke doubtfully.
    “Almost—but not quite, they have been very clever.” The Duke spread out his slim hands. “You wish to go to Russia? Good! To what part would you like to go—Leningrad, Moscow, Kieff, Odessa, the Crimea, the Caucassus? Would you like to stay four days—or four weeks? To start in the north, or in the south? All you have to do is to tell—us—The Intourist’. We will be your servants in a country where there are servants no longer. Here are all sorts of itineraries, all ready planned. They can be varied to suit your purpose. Is it the treasures of the old world, that we have so carefully preserved, which you wish to see—or the marvellous industrial developments, by which Russia will lead the world in a few years’ time? Let us plan your journey for you. We will take your railway tickets in advance, and provide you with hotel accommodation during your stay. Of both there are four grades; and which you choose depends only upon what you wish to pay. Good meals will be provided for you, and the prices of the tours include not only entrance to all museums and sights of interest, but to the theatres and places of amusement as well. What is that? You fear you may have difficulty with the language? But not at all! An interpreter will be placed at your disposal—You do not wish to go with a crowd of people like a tourist? Certainly not! You shall have an interpreter entirely to yourself—there is no extra charge. You see, my friend—” Once more the Duke spread out his elegant hands as he finished his word-picture of the persuasive advertising agent of the Bolsheviks.
    “Clever,” Simon said softly. “Oh, very clever!”
    “Exactly.” De Richleau smiled again. “And that little Bolshevik interpreter will be your guide, philosopher, and friend, from the time you arrive until the time you leave this very interesting country. You can secure neither railway tickets nor hotel accommodation without consulting him, and although this excellent ‘Intourist’ will cheerfully get your passport
visa
for you to
enter
the Soviet—should you by chance desire to change your plans, and forget to inform the little interpreter—youwill find it quite impossible, to secure the necessary
visa
to get
out.
”
    “I see,” Simon laughed his little nervous laugh. “And that’s where the fun begins. Supposing we wanted to get off the beaten track—to some place that the itineraries don’t mention—what happens then?”
    “That,” said the Duke, slowly, “is a different matter. I talked vaguely to the polite young man at the bureau of visiting Archangel. He pointed out that the port would be frozen over at this time of year; an uninteresting place to visit, he seemed to think. I spoke of other towns not mentioned in the official guide—and the winter scenery in the Urals. He said that there would be no suitable accommodation. In fact, he was not helpful in any way.”
    “Have you any idea what conditions are like out there now?”
    De Richleau shrugged. “It is difficult to say—the reports of people to whom I have spoken vary so greatly. There is little doubt that the towns are overcrowded and food scarce. Everyone has to surrender