: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.
:09:02
Why, I know a lot of people
who should go exactly that way.
:09:09
But that's beside the point.
:09:10
Now, come on, major,
what's your basic objection?
:09:14
These men are, by definition,
incapable of any discipline or authority. . .
:09:17
. . .much less intensive training.
:09:19
If there isn't a possibility
for a remission of their sentence. . .
:09:22
. . .they have nothing to look forward to
and no reason to cooperate, right?
:09:28
Got a point.
You got a point, major.
:09:33
However, as you know,
I don't have the power. . .
:09:35
. . .to reverse the findings
of a court-martial.
:09:38
You do have the power to commute
the sentence of such a court.
:09:41
-Excuse me, general.
-Yes?
:09:42
You do have authority under the Visiting
Forces Act to make such a ruling.
:09:47
-Visiting Forces Act?
-Yes, sir.
:09:53
All right, major, you got a deal.
:09:55
Let's say that if any of these men
distinguish themselves. . .
:09:59
. . .then we will give serious consideration
to commuting their sentences.