interest?’ ‘Let them run, I’ve a feeling the public will tire of these stories after a while and go back to their lives. In the meantime you and your group will carry on with your investigation.’ The Prime Minister paused. ‘I know you’re uncomfortable investigating this flying saucer nonsense Ralph, which is why I put you on this team. I trust your judgement and know you won’t be sucked in by all the hype. I promise you’ll be done in a few months.’ ‘Thank you Prime Minister.’ ‘What about this chap who claims his wife was kidnapped by a flying saucer?’ ‘I interviewed the gentlemen in question and a number of other people. The husband seems to be sticking to his story, about an encounter with a mysterious object late at night. But like I said to the others it’s nothing more than a domestic tiff.’ Churchill nodded. ‘And the police, what’s their view on the matter?’ ‘They’re puzzled, but they are sure he didn’t murder her.’ ‘Good, keep me informed.’ Frederick didn’t get up, he locked eyes with Churchill. ‘If you don’t mind me asking Prime Minister I would like to know if you have discussed the notion of flying saucers to anyone other than myself or other committee members.’ ‘I have discussed the matter with Norman Hinshelwood a few times. The subject has surfaced on a number of occasions with Royal Society members.’ Frederick nodded. ‘I see, Mr Hinshelwood must have mentioned it to a colleague of mine a Professor Osborne.’ The Prime Minister looked back at Frederick. ‘You’re worried about leaks.’ Frederick nodded. ‘As you can see from my report the man I encountered at Downham Market claimed he knew many people at the Royal Society. I’m already uncomfortable looking into the flying saucer phenomenon. I explained to Malcolm I don’t want my reputation damaged by such nonsense. If we are to maintain total secrecy we must discuss committee matters with members only.’ Churchill nodded. ‘I understand Professor, if Norman does ask me anything else I’ll pass him on to Henry Tizard.’ Frederick took a deep breath. ‘Malcolm also feels that Tizard’s team have a leak. There’s also the matter of Peter Horsley’s visit to Ripley and the Duke of Edinburgh’s interest in flying saucers.’ ‘I wouldn’t worry about the Duke Professor, he will soon tire of all this flying saucer nonsense. If he does pop up I will speak to him further to quash any interest.’ ‘Thank you Prime Minister.’ Frederick got to his feet and headed for the door.
Chapter 10
Possibilities
Royal Observatory – Greenwich – 1:41pm Friday 8 th August 1952 Frederick and Professor Richard Wilks walked slowly by the Transit Radio telescope discussing the meeting four days earlier. ‘I must apologise for Admiral Berkshire’s attitude towards you Richard I had no idea he was going to try and humiliate you like that.’ Wilks shook his head. ‘There’s no need to say sorry on his behalf Ralph I knew he was going to be a sceptic. His brother is Bishop of York, he also has another brother who is a vicar in Oxford. And his father was a vicar.’ ‘Berkshire didn’t follow in his footsteps then?’ ‘No, from what I know of him he is a man of faith but he wanted to join the navy from an early age, much to his father’s disapproval who wanted him to carry on the family tradition.’ ‘That explains his reluctance to embrace anything you had to say on Monday.’ ‘There will always be people like Admiral Berkshire around, unwilling to embrace new ideas and new technologies. I hear that Winston Churchill isn’t a big fan of television.’ Frederick shook his head smiling. ‘No he isn’t, he prefers to sit down and listen to the Archers on the wireless or read a good book.’ Wilks stopped and looked up at the Transit radio telescope. ‘New technology seems to be the focal point of many things these days. Development of new technology