:07:01
You do not have permission
to make personal comments. . .
:07:04
. . .concerning the officers
responsible for its conception.
:07:07
-Now, is that clear?
-Yes, sir.
:07:09
Ask relevant questions or shut up.
:07:11
Is it relevant to ask why I'm being
offered this mission?
:07:14
It's not, as you say, being offered.
:07:18
I'm volunteering.
:07:20
Exactly, major.
:07:22
I'm glad you look at these things
so realistically.
:07:25
I don't mean to appear unduly cautious,
but if my personal survival. . .
:07:29
. . .depends on the performance
of 12 deadheads. . .
:07:32
. . .it might be helpful to know exactly
what I'm training them for.
:07:35
Now, that's a very good question, major.
:07:38
-Armbruster, let's have the basic outline.
-Yes, sir.
:07:44
"The Germans are using a large chateau
near Rennes in Brittany. . .
:07:47
. . .as a rest center and a conference
place for general staff officers. "
:07:51
The target has no real
military value itself. . .
:07:54
. . .but with these conferences, discussion
groups and the like going on. . .
:07:58
. . .there's hardly a day when
there aren't a considerable number. . .
:08:01
. . .of important general officers
in residence.
:08:03
Usually with the benefit
of female companionship.
:08:07
"Eliminating a number of senior
officers couldn't but have the effect. . .
:08:11
. . .of disrupting
their chain of command. "
:08:13
The idea is simply that our men
are dropped by parachute.
:08:16
They enter the chateau and kill
as many senior officers as is possible. . .
:08:20
. . .in the time available.
:08:23
Naturally, the place is fortified
and heavily guarded.
:08:27
Naturally.
What's the deal with the men?
:08:29
None whatsoever. Let's have
no misunderstanding about that.
:08:33
It's exactly what it says, an amnesty.
:08:35
A temporary postponement.
You take it or leave it on that basis.
:08:38
Like you say, sir, let's not
have any misunderstandings.
:08:42
I don't like it. I think it stinks.
:08:44
I've had enough of your insolence.
:08:46
It's not a question of insolence
but of practicality.
:08:48
I'm the guy that's being asked
to sell this idea. . .
:08:51
. . .to 12 happy, smiling faces, right?
:08:54
They do have an alternative way to go,
you know.
:08:58
-That's no way for anybody to go.
-Oh, the hell you say, major.