The Kaiser's Web: Germany’S Secret Attack on America in World War I

By Robert S. Merritt

During World War I, Germanys plan to control Europe has been thwarted on the battlefield. The Kaisers government now intends to halt the torrent of supplies from America that are sustaining Germanys enemies. A crack team of saboteurs code-named The Black Spiders has arrived in the United States. Their mission is to destroy the factories supplying the Allied armies. The United States is neutral and unprepared for this type of attack. Can the Bureau of Investigations rise to meet the challenge before The Black Spiders spin their web of destruction around America?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524627713

Robert S. Merritt

Robert Merritt is a retired history teacher from Massachusetts. Writing has always called to him, and now he is enjoying a second career as a novelist. He and his wife, Kathy, make their home in Lakeland, Florida.

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© 2016 Robert S. Merritt. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/31/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-2772-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-2771-3 (e)

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Contents

Chapter – 1

Chapter – 2

Chapter – 3

Chapter – 4

Chapter – 5

Chapter – 6

Chapter – 7

Chapter – 8

Chapter – 9

Chapter – 10

CHAPTER – 1

T he bright morning sunshine made the water in the harbor sparkle. The grim grey painted men of war lay at anchor like prehistoric monsters soaking up the sun’s warmth. Commander Rudolph Beckman watched with a critical eye as the parade passed in review. The Imperial German Navy was celebrating today. The commissioning of the new Third Battle Squadron was big event in Wilhelmshaven, the main base of the navy. The four new dreadnoughts would make a powerful addition to the German High Seas Fleet. Commander Rudolph Beckman looked over the waters of the Jade Bight in the distance. He could see the new battle squadron festooned with signal flags to mark the occasion. The Prinz Regent Luitpold was the flagship. The SMS Kaiser, Kasierin, and the Konig Albert completed the new group. Here was tangible proof of Germany’s growing naval might. The Naval Construction Law of 1912 enacted by the Reichstag promised three new battleships a year for the next three years. Soon the High Seas Fleet would look the mighty British Royal Navy in the eyes as equals. The world knew well enough about the formidable reputation of the German army, but now the Kriegsmarine was emerging onto the global stage. The naval band thumped out stirring marches while the crowds cheered the passing sailors and marines. The smooth rhythmic tread of the marching boots echoed around the square. The final unit saluted the Admiral and passed out of sight. The band finished the march the bandmaster saluting the Admiral. Then to the beat of drums, they swung away after the other troops. Commander Beckman nodded in satisfaction as the review ended. Everything had gone perfectly he thought. The army had nothing on the navy when it came to ceremony. Rudolph Beckman’s smile faded as he thought about the upcoming interview with Rear Admiral Voss. The flag officer was the head of the Fleet Intelligence Staff. He was known for being brusque and impatient. The topic for today’s meeting was not likely to be to the Admiral’s liking. Commander Beckman took some time to enjoy the nice weather as he strolled towards the fleet headquarters building. The marine sentries examined his identification then passed him through. Beckman walked up three flights of stairs then marched along a corridor to another armed marine guard. Commander Beckman presented his credentials, which the marine examined closely. Nodding, the sentry opened the door wide coming to attention as the officer passed. Rudolph Beckman found himself standing in an office with a desk directly in front of him. Three chairs stood to his left. The wall to his right featured a door. A young Lieutenant wearing the shoulder cord of a staff officer rose from his seat behind the desk. He clicked his heels together, ‘welcome Commander’ he said. He pointed to the row of chairs. ‘Please be seated sir. I will inform the Admiral that you are here.’

Rudolph Beckman took a seat. While he waited, he ran over again the main points he needed to make today. The thoughts so occupied him that he gazed up in surprise as the Admiral’s aide stood at the door. ‘The Admiral will see you now sir.’ Beckman suddenly realized that the Lieutenant had repeated his statement. Commander Beckman rose and entered the inner office. Rear Admiral Jürgen Voss was a large man well into his fifties. His eyes were small and hooded. His face remained impassive as bade his visitor to sit down. Admiral Voss his hands behind his back regarded Beckman for several moments then sat heavily down in his high backed chair. Over his generous shoulders, the huge windows looked out onto the Jade, the naval anchorage here in Wilhelmshaven. The Chief of the Intelligence Staff picked up a paper and quickly scanned it. He tossed it back on his desk and sat back pressing his fingertips together.

‘I have read your proposal Commander Beckman. I must say I am intrigued. You really believe that the United States is a threat to Germany?’

Commander Rudolph Beckman nodded, ‘yes sir I do.’ He took a deep breath, ‘if war breaks out the Americans will favor the British. They are after all an offshoot of the British Empire. They have enormous economic ties with England. The Royal Navy will impose a blockade on our foreign commerce. The British merchant marine though, will have free reign to trade with the U.S. Over time, the Americans will be providing weapons and munitions to the British and the French and maybe to the Russians as well. This will generate vast profits for American industry. The United States will have an economic stake in the outcome of the war. If it appears that Germany will be victorious, the Americans will intervene.’ Beckman paused, ‘we need to be ready if that happens, sir.’

Admiral Voss considered this for several seconds. He eyed Beckman with an appraising glare. ‘You are aware Commander that the army expects to win the war in four to six months.’ He sniffed, ‘The American army I am told is small, poorly equipped and not at a continental level. The U.S. Navy is another matter. They are a first class organization. Having said that, I fail to see how the American navy can influence the result of a war in Europe.’ He sat back and folded his arms.

Commander Beckman nodded, ‘I understand those things sir. What happens if the army’s plan fails? If we are drawn into a long war, the greater resources of the Triple Entente might prove decisive. Both France and England have worldwide empires. Russia’s reserves of soldiers are staggering. The three allies command huge resources of manpower and material. If our plan is successful then these will not matter, but if we falter then the scales will tilt against us. I am suggesting that we be prepared for American intervention in a European war. If circumstances unfold as we expect then no action need be taken. If however, the war plan miscarries then we will be ready. We can implement our operations immediately if necessary. The United States is unprepared for international conflict. They have had almost no experience with an adversary of true power. They do not, so far as I know even operate an intelligence gathering system. I will bet they have little or no counter-espionage expertise either. If we move now and set up our organization, then if war comes we will be able to strike the first blows.’ Commander Beckman sat forward in his chair, ‘sir if we attempt to do this after hostilities start the task will be far more difficult and dangerous. We need to be poised like a spider. If they interfere we can sting the Americans before they are prepared.’

Admiral Jürgen Voss thought this over. He sighed, ‘I really do not believe that this operation will be necessary, but just in case we will study it further. I want you to meet with Abteilung III B, the Foreign Ministry’s Intelligence Department in Berlin. I only deal with naval matters. They operate espionage systems in foreign lands. This proposal will require their expertise. I will not promise that they will support your idea, but we will bring this before them.’ He looked towards the door. ‘That is all for now Commander Beckman. You will be informed in due course.’

Being informed in due course turned out to be three months. Rudolph Beckman continued with his normal naval signals duties as he waited for the Imperial Foreign Ministry to respond. As a professional sailor, Beckman was stunned by the sinking of the British ocean liner R.M.S. Titanic in April. The appalling loss of life came as a rude shock. Apparently, modern shipbuilding was still not able to master the dangers of the ocean. He hoped the German shipping industry would learn from the Titanic disaster and provide the world’s safest vessels. Commander Beckman noted the election of Woodrow Wilson in November, as President of the United States. He was not sure what this might mean for American involvement in Europe. He was happy that Theodore Roosevelt did not win. The former American Chief Executive was very foreign policy oriented. What Germany needed was an American leader who was focused on domestic issues. A disinterested U.S.A. suited Germany’s purposes perfectly. In early December a telegram arrived, summoning Commander Rudolph Beckman to the Reich Foreign Ministry. He was to appear in civilian clothes and was to report to the Bureau of Economic Affairs, Section 3-B in Berlin. The train ride to Berlin’s Stettiner Bahnhof was smooth and comfortable delivering Herr Beckman to the capital of Imperial Germany. A unified federation since 1870 after the glorious victory over France, Germany dominated the center of Europe. The Emperor, or Kaiser as he was known, used Berlin as a showcase for German pride and power. Massive new public buildings had sprung up and new wider streets such as the Unter den Linden were constructed. Military parades were frequent and enthusiastically received. Germany, the Kaiser boasted, demanded her place in the sun. In keeping with Germany’s new status as a global power the Fatherland now had colonies in China, Africa and the Pacific Ocean. The rapidly expanding German Navy was needed to supply and protect the nation’s new overseas possessions. As popular as this all was in Germany, it did not play well in London. Tension between Germany and England had increased as the two nations escalated a naval arms race. As fast as Germany built dreadnoughts the British built more. The English Government vowed never to allow Germany parity in naval strength. This was just another source of possible conflict Commander Beckman knew. The new German naval law would add to the tension between the two powers. He sighed as he contemplated how Germany’s naval expansion had driven Great Britain into an alliance with France and Russia. The Triple Entente the alliance was called. Germany and Austria-Hungry formed the Central Powers to protect themselves. Europe was divided into two armed camps and one of these days Rudolph Beckman thought the whole place would explode into a general war. There was a sense of excitement in the city as Herr Beckman alighted from the train. Crowds were buzzing about another war in the Balkans. The ancient Ottoman Empire was being shorn of more territory it seemed. Rudolph Beckman shook his head. The Balkans was the tinderbox of Europe. The power of the Turks was fast fading. Austria-Hungry regarded the newly freed lands with a greedy eye. The new country of Serbia also saw the Balkans as a potential treasure chest. Lurking in the background never far away was Russia. The Government of the Czar was still smarting from the startling defeat in Manchuria at the hands of Japan in 1905. Today, they were seeking to restore Russian military prestige. Commander Rudolph Beckman shook his head. He felt time was running out. There was war in the air and he suspected it was not far off. He booked into a comfortable hotel then headed out to his appointment.

Rudolph Beckman entered the imposing Foreign Ministry Building at 76 Wilhelmstrasse. There were throngs of people in the lobby. Herr Beckman stopped at the information desk in the center of the reception hall. He was directed to the fourth floor where the Bureau of Economic Affairs was located. Rudolph Beckman entered the main office and showed his appointment telegram. The bored looking clerk scanned the paper then grunted. He pointed to the door. ‘Mein Herr the office you want is in another building on Konigsplatz.’ The clerk wrote the address, returned the telegram and resumed shuffling papers. Rudolph Beckman sighed and followed directions. He eventually discovered an unremarkable structure not far from the Foreign Ministry. Commander Beckman read the sign, Bureau of Economic Affairs-Section-3B - Please knock. Beckman did so and a small panel in the middle of the door slid open. A voice inquired what was wanted. Beckman rather than answering simply shoved the telegram through the opening. The paper vanished inside and several seconds later, the door slowly opened. A short bright-eyed man sporting a healthy mustache gestured for Beckman to enter.

‘May I see your identification please?’ His voice was pleasant, but his eyes were watchful and unblinking. Rudolph Beckman sensed that he was being observed. Beckman handed over his naval identification card. The other man examined the card carefully before handing it back.

‘Thank you Commander Beckman. Welcome to Section-3B, our Director will see you shortly. Please be seated.’ A table held brochures for major German manufacturing firms. The walls featured posters from the large German shipping companies.

No sooner had Rudolph Beckman glanced around when a door opened silently and a tall slender man about fifty years of age with blond hair and blue eyes stood inspecting the new arrival. Beckman felt the man’s eyes running from head to foot measuring and weighing what he saw. The man smiled, but there was no warmth in those piercing blue yes. He nodded, ‘this way please Commander.’ He stood aside allowing Beckman to enter the office. The large desk was placed in a corner and Rudolph Beckman was surprised that there were no windows. A variety of charts and graphs decorated the walls. A table held brochures for famous resorts and world-renowned German hotels. The slender fellow waved Beckman to a seat while he retrieved a file from a locked drawer in his desk. He said nothing while he studied the document. The man glanced up and looked Beckman over again.

‘So you are Commander Rudolph Beckman of the Imperial Navy?’ His features remained blank as he spoke.

Rudolph Beckman nodded, ‘yes I am. May I ask who you are? I received this telegram, but no other information was provided. Why am I here at the Bureau of Economic Affairs?’

The slender man smiled ‘all in good time Commander. Please bear with me for a while. I am Oskar Lange the Director of Section-3B.’ Herr Lange leaned back in his chair. ‘Admiral Voss wrote that you have some extraordinary ideas about our relations with the United States.’ Lange folded his arms, ‘I would appreciate it Commander Beckman if you would please explain your proposal. I have no other appointments for today so there is plenty of time.’

Rudolph Beckman got right down to business. ‘The papers have been full of news about the Balkan War. The Ottoman Empire has been pushed out of Europe except for their capital at Constantinople. The Serbs and the Russians are certain to challenge Austria-Hungry for control of these newly independent territories. This is likely to bring on a confrontation between Serbia and Austria-Hungry. The Russians will back Serbia forcing us to support the Austrians. The chance of war between Russia and Germany is growing daily. If we get into hostilities with Russia, France as the Czar’s ally will declare war on us. A conflict between Germany and France will provoke England to fight us as well. A general European war is very likely and I suspect it will come soon.’

Oskar Lange waved his hand impatiently. ‘I already know this Commander. What has this to do with America?’

Commander Beckman took a deep breath, ‘I strongly suspect that if we do not win the war as quickly as the army expects then the United States is certain to become involved. They have too many connections to the British and the French not to. They cannot afford to allow Germany to dominate Europe. If the war is drawn out, the immense resources of the Triple Entente will be reinforced by the industrial might of America. Given sufficient time, the Americans can raise and dispatch a sizable army to Europe. The longer the war lasts the less likely is our chance for victory. I am proposing that we establish an espionage network in the United States now while peace still prevails. The Americans are not ready for international conflict. Their counter-espionage service, if they even have one is inexperienced.’ Beckman sat forward and pounded his finger on the corner of Lange’s desk. ‘If we place a small well trained team of saboteurs now before the Americans suspect anything we will have a tremendous advantage. The team will need to be well supplied with money and explosives. If the war does not go as we expect and the Americans try to intervene then this team will ready and able to strike. We can cripple their industrial operations, delay shipments of munitions and slow down the creation of a large American army. One small team might be able to buy the Fatherland the time it needs to secure the victory we deserve.’ Commander Rudolph Beckman sat back in his chair.

Oskar Lange digested this hypothesis for several moments. He drummed his fingers on the top of his desk as he thought. Lange then shook his head. ‘You have a vivid imagination Commander Beckman.’ He looked hard at his guest. ‘Do you speak English Commander? Have you ever been to America? Do you have any ideas about how American industry functions?’

Rudolph Beckman smiled, ‘I speak English perfectly. I have been to the United States twice. Once on a courtesy cruise to New York in 1902. The other was a week-long vacation just last year.’ He thought for a moment, ‘no I do not have a direct knowledge of U.S. industrial organization.’ He gestured around him, ‘isn’t that what the Bureau of Economic Affairs is for?’

Oskar Lange grinned, ‘I am not exactly certain what the Bureau of Economic Affairs actually does.’ He folded his hands on the top of his desk. ‘Everything that I am about to tell you is secret. You see Commander Beckman Section-3B is really the Abteilung, the Foreign Ministry’s Intelligence organization. The Geheimdienst or the Secret Service carries out the actual operations in foreign nations. The Bureau of Economic Affairs provides us with a good cover story for operations in other countries. Every German embassy and many consulates have staff from the Bureau of Economic Affairs assigned to them. We simply slip our agents in among the regular personnel.’ Lange thought for a second before continuing. ‘What you are considering would require a major operation. The funding will be very expensive and a thorough study of the American industrial system will be required. Then there is the matter of selecting qualified personnel for your team. Explosives will have to be acquired and concealed. We will need to establish some method for communications that does not involve the embassy staff. The Foreign Ministry prefers that no direct links exist between the Geheimdienst and the diplomatic staff. That way they can deny that the Government was involved if anything goes wrong.’ He eyed Beckman with a cold stare. ‘You do realize Beckman that if you or any of your team is captured you might face the death penalty. There will be no help from the German Government. All of you will be on your own.’

Rudolph Beckman nodded, ‘I always understood the risks. I hope the army is right and when the war comes, it will all be over in a few months. Then none of this will be necessary.’

Oskar Lange smiled, ‘we all hope for victory Commander. I need some time to discuss this exceptional proposal with my staff. I will contact you in a few days. Leave the name of your hotel with the clerk in the outer office. You will hear from me in a day or two.’ The two men shook hands and Rudolph Beckman returned to his hotel. As he considered Oskar Lange’s words Beckman was not sure if he really wanted his plan approved. His naval duties were much simpler. Perhaps he was getting in to something he might regret.

Two days later Rudolph Beckman received a telephone call inviting him back to the Bureau of Economic Affairs. Beckman arrived promptly at 9:00am as directed. He was quickly ushered inside. This time he went right through Herr Lange’s office to a larger conference room. Oskar Lange was joined by two other men. Both were dressed in suits and carried an air of authority. Dr. Konstantine Frick and Gunter Drost were introduced to the naval visitor. The four men took seats around the polished table. Oskar Lange took the lead in the discussion.

‘Commander Beckman I have shared your proposal with my staff and my superiors. They are very interested. These two gentlemen are here to provide some guidance in preparing an outline for a possible operation in the United States.’ Herr Lange paused, ‘you must understand that such an extraordinary effort as you suggested must be carefully considered before approval will be made.’

Dr. Frick now spoke. ‘I have read your proposal and discussed it at length with Herr Lange. If I understand you correctly, you want to establish an espionage operation in America. You also intend to carry out acts of sabotage if the U.S.A. attempts to intervene in a European war.’

Rudolph Beckman nodded, ‘that is so Herr Doctor.’

Dr. Frick grunted, ‘my area of expertise is explosives. Espionage is out of my line. Sabotage I can help you with Commander.’ He paused before continuing slowly. ‘Sabotage requires concealment. You will need incendiary devices that will permit your agents to escape before the fire starts. Bombs must be small yet powerful and above all reliable.’ Dr. Frick smiled as he warmed to his topic. ‘We have invented a large number of such devices Commander.’ Satisfaction crossed his features, ‘believe me our bombs will fool even the most observant inspector.’ He looked eagerly at Rudolph Beckman, ‘I would enjoy showing you our creations Commander.’

Gunter Drost joined in the conversation. ‘Commander Beckman training is my responsibility.’ His voice was harsh his tones clipped like an army officer issuing orders. ‘Our training program requires two years of intense preparation. Your team will require extensive training in all areas of espionage as well as sabotage. The use of weapons, explosives and codes all will be part of the curriculum. They will be taught how to identify important enemy installations and ways to exploit any weaknesses in the defenses. Classes in topography, trigonometry, drafting and military equipment are part of the skills of a well-trained agent.’ Herr Drost frowned as he spoke. ‘The training program will be demanding. Those who graduate will be excellent agents. Everyone must meet my standards.’ He glared at Rudolph Beckman, ‘that includes you Commander Beckman.’

Oskar Lange spoke softly, but clearly. ‘Commander Beckman many people harbor romantic views of espionage. They imagine being a spy is exciting. They are in error. Intelligence work is deadly serious business. Agents have simply vanished on occasion. Others have been found dead. Our enemies have no scruples about the use of torture. Your activities might well results in casualties among civilians. Espionage and sabotage are combat just as on any battlefield.’ Lange leaned forward his eyes locked on Rudolph Beckman’s, ‘this type of warfare requires that you get your own hands dirty. Are you prepared to take things to that level Commander Beckman?’

Dr. Konstantine Frick grunted, ‘necessity knows no limits Commander.’

Commander Rudolph Beckman looked around the table at his three companions. ‘For the sake of my country I am prepared to do whatever is necessary.’

Oskar Lange looked at the others, each nodded. Lange smiled, ‘very well, Commander Beckman we shall move forward with this plan. I want you to return to Wilhelmshaven for the present. When the Intelligence staff is ready, I will contact you. You are not to discuss anything about this proposed operation with anybody.’ He yawned, ‘it might be some time before we are ready to recall you Commander so please be patient.’ The meeting ended. Rudolph Beckman returned to his post at The High Seas Fleet headquarters. The days became weeks flowing into months. Beckman followed events in the newspapers closely. His great fear was that war might break out before his plan could be put into effect. Success depended on creating the intelligence network before the Americans had any cause for concern. The newspapers followed the events as they unfolded. The authority of the Ottoman Empire continued to decline. Italy wrested control of Tripolitania from the Turks. German military advisors were dispatched to Constantinople to raise the efficiency of the Ottoman army. German funds flowed to the Turkish Empire spreading German influence within the governing circle. When war came, the help of the Turkish Empire might be crucial for attacks on the British interests in Egypt. For the Turks to be of any help the Ottoman army must be strengthened. Beckman read with concern about the increasing tensions in the Balkans. Serbia on the urging of Russia, continued to provoke the Austrians. Acts of terrorism were common in the territories under dispute. Austrian-Hungarian authorities were resorting to heavy-handed tactics that only inflamed public opinion against them. Rudolph Beckman sighed, this kind of trouble could not go indefinitely. An explosion was certain, but how long before it erupted?

Rudolph Beckman’s daily routine was a busy one. The Imperial German Navy continued to train sharpening its skills. Commander Beckman’s work in the fleet’s Signals Intelligence Service was always interesting. They monitored the wireless traffic of the Russian Baltic fleet. The German radio intercept service used these messages in an attempt to crack the Russian navy’s cipher system. They were making good progress. The Germans were able to unscramble then decode over 50% of the intercepted messages. When war broke out Beckman expected the Russians to change their code and ciphers. Now that the Germans understood how the Russian communications system worked breaking the new codes and ciphers should be easier. The radio intercept service was having no such good fortune with the British navy. The Royal Navy’s communications remained a dark mystery to the Germans. Another important activity included experiments in locating the position of a vessel by tracking its wireless signals. This offered genuine promise of being able pinpoint an enemy ship by using its own radio transmissions. The results had been promising so far. Rudolph Beckman was confident that the Imperial Navy’s codes and cipher tables were impossible to break. An elaborate system of complex codes coupled with a rotating cipher key shielded the High Seas Fleet from eavesdropping. It was December of 1913 before Commander Rudolph Beckman was again summoned to Berlin.

Once again, Commander Beckman in civilian clothing visited the Bureau of Economic Affairs, Section-3B. Oskar Lange welcomed Rudolph Beckman back. ‘Commander Beckman, it is good to see you again. I have some interesting news for you. The Foreign Ministry has approved this operation, with conditions.’ Oskar Lange shrugged, ‘Diplomats are not keen on giving straight answers you know.’ Lange grinned, ‘you have heard the old saying haven’t you? If a diplomat says yes, he means maybe. If he says maybe, he means no and if he says no, he is not a diplomat.’ Both men chuckled. Lange took a deep breath then rubbing his hands together, he explained. ‘We have authorization to establish an espionage system in the United States. We are to gather data on the American industrial system. The operation of the rail system, waterways and especially the harbors are the main targets.’ Oskar Lange looked at Beckman with smile. ‘I have another target that I want you to investigate Commander, the electrical system. America leads the world in the development of wide spread use of electrical power. They generate vast amounts of electricity then are able to transmit it over long distances. This is more efficient of course, but it is also vulnerable. I believe more and more of the larger factories are relying on commercial sources of power rather than having their own power station on the premises. If we can interrupt the flow of electricity than we can seriously delay the manufacturing of weapons and munitions.’ Herr Lange sat back in his chair. ‘What do you think of this Beckman?’

Rudolph Beckman was lost in thought. He considered this for several moments before replying. ‘You mentioned conditions Herr Lange. What does that mean?’

Oskar Lange frowned, ‘we are to be permitted to establish a surveillance system only for the present. The Foreign Ministry and the army want accurate information about U.S. military potential. The government will not allow us to set up a sabotage network. No extraordinary funding will be made nor will they allow us to smuggle in explosives. I did insist that we have our own system of communications separate from the normal diplomatic channels.’ He sat forward and glared at Rudolph Beckman. ‘I have come to agree with you Commander. The Americans will not welcome a German dominated Europe. Our growing influence in South America is already alarming some of the leaders in Washington. If the army’s expectation of a short triumphant war comes true, I will be delighted. If however, you are correct and the war becomes extended, the United States will attempt to influence the outcome.’

‘If we wait for that to develop then it will be too late’ Rudolph Beckman said.

Oskar Lange nodded, ‘I suspect you are correct Commander.’ He grinned as took out a folder. ‘That is why Commander we shall stretch our orders a bit.’ Lange opened the folder then handed it across the desk to Rudolph Beckman. ‘Read it for yourself Commander. We will obey the orders, but we will also make some quiet preparations for something more serious if the need arises. There is no need to inform our superiors of all the details. If we need to take this operation to the next level, we will be ready. Are you ready to cooperate with me on this Commander Beckman?’

Rudolph Beckman tried to imagine how Admiral Jürgen Voss would react to this bold interpretation of orders. In the German Navy, orders meant exactly what they said. One did not stretch orders, you simply obeyed them or else! Beckman read the opening sentence. An espionage network with the code name the Schwarze Spinne would be created and built up over time in the United States. Rudolph Beckman smiled Schwarze Spinne in English meant the Black Spiders. It promised to be a prophetic name. If the Americans attempted to interfere in a European war, then the Black Spiders would sting. The plan called for the recruitment of English speaking agents from the German Armed Forces. Preference would be given those candidates possessing a background in engineering or artillery. Men who had lived in North America would be given the highest priority. Each agent would receive thorough training in the Dark Arts of espionage and sabotage. Every man would have an authentic American identity complete with all the necessary documents. The group was authorized to establish safe houses in key American cities. The Black Spiders would study the American industrial system and pass this information back to Oskar Lange by special courier. The group would have its own private code system completely separate from the standard communications stream. Messages within the network would be passed by using the drop system. Meetings were to be based on the Safety Block procedure. Commander Beckman would be in command reporting directly to Oskar Lange in Berlin. Herr Lange promised Rudolph Beckman that he would enjoy wide authority as the man on the spot. No sabotage would be carried out without the explicit permission of the Foreign Ministry. Commander Beckman liked the plan’s outline. It was simple, clear and gave the agents wide latitude in the course of their operations.

Oskar Lange and Rudolph Beckman spent the next six weeks finalizing the details of the operation. Beckman received an abbreviated course from Gunter Drost in combat skills. Beckman became familiar with pistols, a variety of knives and some unusual weapons. Herr Drost took particular delight in showing Beckman how to strangle a man to death using your own shoelace for example. Drost convinced Beckman that a simple spoon could be lethal. Being a naval officer, Beckman found these close combat techniques to be disconcerting. Dr. Konstantine Frick enlightened Rudolph Beckman in the mysteries of incendiary devices and time bombs. Some of the explosive devices used chemical triggers, others relied on tiny clocks and few reacted to wind up triggers based on moving sensors. Rudolph Beckman was astonished to learn how to use a chemical firebomb about the size of a cigar. It was a lead pipe with a copper disk in the middle. This disk acted as a trigger. If the copper disk was thicker, the fuse took longer to react. One end of the container contained picric acid the opposite end held sulfuric acid. Each end was sealed with a thick coat of wax. When the cigar-sized bomb was shaken the chemical reaction would start. The two acids would burn through the copper separator. When they came into contact, the chemical reaction generated an intense flame at each end. The heat from the flame was blistering. Dr. Frick assured Rudolph Beckman that this would ignite anything combustible within several feet. The heat would melt the pipe leaving no trace of the bomb. There were explosives concealed in what appeared to be lumps of coal. They were triggered by heat. Dr. Frick proudly demonstrated their newest development. A tube that resembled a drafting pencil contained the two volatile acids. All you needed to do was to snap the tube in half. Just seconds later, a brilliantly colored flame whooshed out. The flame was dazzling and the heat was very intense. Again, the heat destroyed all residue of the device. There were powerful time bombs that would fit inside a variety of modest sized packages. The laboratory had developed a sticky substance that could be squeezed out of a tube like toothpaste. This was then smeared on a bomb allowing it to be glued to almost any surface in out of the way places. Commander Beckman was impressed by a naval explosive device. He was shown a waterproof cylinder loaded with 90 pounds TNT. This device was then attached to a vessel’s rudderpost. The skinny cylinder was almost invisible perched between the rudder and the stern post. Thin cables connected the bomb to the rudder. Each time the ship’s rudder was moved, it tightened a mechanical trigger. The eventual explosion would happen days later when the vessel was out in the ocean. As a sailor, Commander Beckman realized that a ship at sea with no rudder was in mortal peril. The blast might damage the ship’s propeller as well. Dr. Konstantine Frick was very pleased with the toys his staff created. Dr. Frick seemed to hope that the war would last long enough for all of these inventions to be used.

Oskar Lange arranged for Rudolph Beckman to receive a tour of a German steel mill. The manager explained how the Bessemer process worked. The facility was so large that it seemed unlikely that sabotage could destroy it. Literally hundreds of workers swarmed around all of the coke ovens, blast furnaces and converters. The rolling mills and other operations always featured large numbers of employees. Beckman reluctantly concluded that a different target must be selected. Rudolph Beckman was sent next to a central power station. Here he discovered the secrets of electricity. Beckman decided that here was a high value target. The turbo-generators were the key he learned. The blades of the turbines were very delicate and had to be manufactured to precise standards. Then they had to be very carefully installed. If the turbines were damaged the entire plant was out of service. It would take weeks if not months for new turbines to be manufactured then installed. Beckman inquired, what was the most difficult item in constructing the facility? The power plant superintendent mentioned that the concrete beds upon which the turbines were mounted were critical to the safe operation of the turbine blades. The pads had taken quite some time to cure before the turbines could be installed. Commander Rudolph Beckman filed this interesting item away for future reference. The power plant manager then explained how the electric power was transmitted to its users. The Americans he pointed out were doing some exceptional experiments with sending power over very long distances. Rudolph Beckman asked if there were problems with delivering the electricity to the customers. The manager nodded explaining that if anything interrupted the flow of electricity the power went off. Thunderstorms, strong winds or heavy ice and snow all could wreak havoc with the power system. This was very intriguing to Rudolph Beckman. Later that night he made notes to share with Oskar Lange. Commander Beckman was next sent of all places, to an army school. The Imperial Army Engineering Corps outside of Berlin ran a school for demolitions. Navy Commander Beckman was taught the most efficient way to bring down railway bridges based on their design. The proper method to induce a building to collapse was a fascinating topic. Beckman’s naval uniform drew some odd looks, but his instructors made him welcome. Beckman was taken aback at the differences in the various types of explosives. He was startled to learn that dynamite was not all the same. It came in different mixtures with various levels of power. Industrial explosives were much weaker than military munitions he was taught. Rudolph Beckman then was allowed to try his hand at blowing up a variety of small objects. The principles were the same he was assured, the size of the target and the amount, of explosives were kept in proportion. After several misadventures, one of which sent his instructors diving for cover, he succeeded in mastering the tests. His army colleagues presented him with a diploma as an Honorary Army Engineer.

Rudolph Beckman returned to Berlin and the building on Konigsplatz. Oskar Lange had been busy during Beckman’s absence. He produced Commander Beckman’s new identification. This included an official American passport. The United States Government had only recently required the use of a photograph of the holder. German agents in the U.S. bribed poor American citizens to fill out Form 375, a passport application. When the passport arrived, the Germans paid the applicant $20.00 each. The Geheimdienst Document Section used the purchased passport to create a perfect forgery. Beckman examined his photograph and his new name.

Bearer: Carter, Thomas Andrew

Birthplace: Hoboken, N.J.

Date of Birth: April 1, 1884

Height: Six Feet

Weight: 190Lbs.

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Address: 419 Cass Avenue, Newark, N.J. Apt. B-11

Occupation: Magazine Reporter

Date of Issue: July 25, 1912

Passport Number: 65219088

Oskar Lange explained the address was a safe house one of his operatives used already. The job as a magazine reporter was a cover to allow Beckman to travel around and gather information. If he were to be questioned, he was to explain that he was writing a story on the growing industrial might of America. Lange handed over Thomas A. Carter’s birth certificate. ‘We obtained this from the Hoboken City Hall. It is genuine. Herr Carter is a derelict drunk living on the docks in New York. He has no criminal record. Carter works at odd jobs at the various freight warehouses along the piers. His identity should provide a good cover for you.’

Rudolph Beckman studied the passport. ‘The Americans are just now requiring a photograph?’

Oskar Lange smiled, ‘the Americans have very limited experience with international relations. They are far too trusting. Our agents have managed to acquire quite a number of genuine passports in this manner. Our own Document Division is able to make superb counterfeit samples. We wet the original picture. Then we affix the photograph of the new owner. The next step is to turn the passport over and trace the letters of the official seal with a dull point pen. The result is when the new photograph dries it looks exactly like the original.’ Oskar Lange invited Rudolph Beckman to be seated. Lange opened a safe pulling out an envelope. ‘Here’ he said handing it over to the naval officer. ‘Inside that envelope is a tourist travel guide for the United States printed by the American Express Company. Having one of these would be normal for a traveling magazine reporter. You will need that book to decode any messages I might send you. You will also use it to encode any messages you need to dispatch. Concealed inside are the code and cipher system we will use while you are in America. I have a duplicate travel guide here. We both must have the same book for the communications system to work. If I need to contact you, I will send the message to a trusted agent in New York. I have connections with people at the German American Export Company. He will then run an ad in the items for sale section of the New York World newspaper. The advertisement will be read, Refurbished umbrellas for sale. An address will be listed. This is called the drop system. The first number of the address is the key. Convert this number to a matching letter in the alphabet. The letter G for example is the seventh letter in the alphabet. The number eleven matches the letter K and so forth. Go to the main public library in New York and find the research section. In the Encyclopedia Americana, locate the volume that matches the letter you are seeking. You will find the message