der and declare war and blow up millions
of people and then run to Uncle Sam to pay the bills. I say, Mr.
Undersecretary, I say what I've said before and what I'll say again;
if Europe and Asia and the rest of the world don't like what we do
here in these United States, let Europe and Asia and the rest of the
world go to hell!"

Suggs wasn't a bit excited. Those grand, those mellifluous and rotund
phrases rolled out of those skinny lips at a mile-a-minute pace with
never a flicker of emotion but a nervous twitching of the drooping
eyelids. If that was the way he talked when calm, I could see why he
had been sent back and back to the Senate time after time.

The General deliberately tossed his cigar on the floor and pounded his
fist on the table.

"Well said, Senator! My sentiments exactly. If Europe and Asia and the
rest of the world don't like what we do here, let 'em all go to hell,
or better yet, let's send them there in a hand-basket."

Bloodthirsty old bat. I never remembered seeing him any too close to
the jumping-off point. That's what generals are for, they tell me.

"I say to hell with them all, and the sooner they know about it, the
better for all concerned." His gaudy gold case, the gift of a grateful
staff, was on the table in front of him, and he jerked out a cigar
with a flourish. A light with a gold lighter, and he puffed thick
clouds.

Morgan coughed politely. "Regardless, Senator, of what has or what is
happening, we're concerned at present with what might happen."

Suggs opened his mouth like a thirsty carp and closed it again as
Morgan went on.

"Call it what you like, Senator; General Legree will agree with me
that this perfect defense--if defense is the word--is equally well the
perfect weapon. Right, General?"

Legree pursed pontifical lips for a reply and was annoyed when Morgan
paused only momentarily.

"Perfect defense means the nullification of an opposing weapon.
Obviously, a weaponless army is no longer anything but a disciplined
mob. In correlation, Senator, _our_ arms and weapons are still
effective, and--you mentioned the distrust (or dislike, or hatred, or
whatever you will) held for us by Europe and Asia. Now, Senator, think
of yourself and your constituents: is it not far better that Europe
and Asia and the world be solaced and comforted by the announcement
that we would use our ... Iron Curtain only in our own defense? Would
it not be better--how many years, Senator, have