“But what?”

“The Labour leaders. Without them, as you say, we can do nothing. If they do not declare a general strike on the 29th⁠—”

“Why should they not?”

“As you’ve said, they’re honest. And, in spite of everything we’ve done to discredit the government in their eyes, I’m not sure that they haven’t got a sneaking faith and belief in it.”

“But⁠—”

“I know. They abuse it unceasingly. But, on the whole, public opinion swings to the side of the government. They will not go against it.”

Again the Russian’s fingers drummed on the table.

“To the point, my friend. I was given to understand that there was a certain document in existence which assured success.”