Friday, November 7, 2014
I will "go-about" getting it for you
Inside the embassy, Congressman Wilson visits with station chief Harold Holt.
Holt -- Look, normally, a congressional delegation, we'd give them a courtesy briefing on the situation, but as you can see, it's getting pretty late, we don't have a whole lot of time anyway, so --
Wilson -- Well, make the time. Fuck your time, Harold. I'm on Defense Appropriations. I'm catching a plane back to Washington in just a few minutes. Now I need a full classified briefing right now.
(With a sigh, walking while he talks, Holt) -- "Hundred and twenty thousand Soviet troops in all."
-- "Hundred and twenty thousand?"
-- 40th Army is garrisoned in the cities and in the airports. Your seventh and eighth infantry divisions are in Kabul. The 18th in Mazar-e Sharif, the fourth armored--
Wilson -- Anything inside?
-- I'm sorry?
-- They controlling anything inside?
-- Soviet advisors have appropriated the Afghan intel service and the ministries.
-- Which ministries?
(with an attitude of curious disconnectedness, resignation) -- Er - all of them. Anyway, the fourth armored covers Bagram Airbase. Seventh Armored is --
-- Why ain't they shooting down them helicopters?
-- I'm sorry?
-- The helicopters, Harold. Why ain't we givin' 'em something to shoot down the helicopters?
-- The helicopters... are a problem.
-- You think?
-- Congressman...
-- They're shooting at Soviet gunships with Enfield rifles. That's basically what Davy Crockett used.
Holt -- The Soviet Hind gunship is especially armor-plated to resist bullets.
-- Yeah I know, I know. So you tell me what you need to shoot 'em down.
Holt -- What do you mean?
Wilson -- Tell me what you need. (peers at the station chief a little harder) Do you understand what I'm sayin'? You tell me what you need, and I will go about gettin' it for you.
-- Congressman, I appreciate your generosity, but a sudden influx of money and modern weaponry would draw attention.
-- What?
-- A sudden influx of money and modern...
-- Wait, it would draw attention?
-- Yeah.
-- Why, I don't even know what that means. This is the Cold War. Everybody knows about it.
-- Should I continue with the briefing?
-- Have you been to these refugee camps? Have you heard these stories?
-- Congressman, I am required to give you a briefing. Should I continue?
Wilson looks at him.
-- No. Thank you.
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