Chinese Wall

About the Book

The introductory sectlon, sets the scene to understand why it is necessary for this man to be found. It reaches across several countries and introduces some of the prlnciple characters, lncludlng JohnTansey, and some colourful British and asiatic characters, not without some humour.  The story of de Beer begins at the llberatlon of Brussels in l944, and contlnues throughout the rest of the war.  Rober de Beer's adventures  start in war torn Europe, and continue thereafter in China and Mongolia. China and its attempt to reinstate itself as a world power plays a major part in the story.

The British, American and Israeli Intelllgence agencies each have their own sometimes rather shameful reasons for tracing the identities of these nazis, although ostensibly cooperating with each other. The story  introduces interesting character studies of the various operatives e.g. The middle class Engllshman, (contrast Tansey, who is of humbler origins), The typical American CIA officer, down to earth and colourful, and the enigmatic and liberal Israeli Mossad agent of middle eastern origins (not from European, Jewry).

The book explores the personalities and organisation behind the significant and politically influential group of renegade Nazis domiciled in the UK, together with their plans to assume a controlling international political power.  This entails going behind the scenes of convential English political and establishment life to see the extent of their penetration and power  The aim is to present an entertaining and credible thriller, set against a colourful, and recognizable world political scenario.  Apart from, a very good twist to the ending, there is a certain amount of comment on the theme of the rapidly evolving pace of world events. The background to the locations and countries involved, draw on the author's own experience. There is no sex or gratuitious violence. The story is aimed at middle-brow readers; who can perhaps identify with some of the some of the more traditional ethical positions taken up, and appreciate a reasonable diet of some serious observations on how the world of international politics and intrigue compare with the view of those who have found other ways of giving meaning to their lives.  But there is also some pathos and humour as well as analysis and action drama.

The title ,  “ Chinese Wall” ,  is defined in Longman’s Dictionary as ‘An apparently insurmountable barrier, especially a serious obstacle to understanding’.  The story sets out to dissolve, rather than remove or destroy its opacity.

About the Author

The author, who was born in London, has recently retired from working as a diplomat. Prior to joining the Foreign Service he did a number of jobs which he values as providing him with the rare opportunity of meeting and working with men who had served in both world wars and saw action in every area of the world at war He himself spent three years in the RAF. A period of manual work in factories as well as more traditional white collar jobs did him the world of good. He is married to a busy teacher of the English language, and has modest homes in London as well as Somerset and Western Australia. He took a couple of degrees at London University,part time. He enjoys walking and a bit of sailing , as well as some voluntary work. This is his first full length book.