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by an aviator," he had said, putting his arm around Kalinin's shoulders confidingly. "You must stop the rot in the air forces." It was hard to misinterpret such a directive, Kalinin thought. So here I am. |
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He began again, even louder, so as to be heard over the hum of conversation in the room. "I am here to remind you of the price our ancestors paid for the Russian earth, which we are all sworn to protect. From the Revolution, the Great Patriotic War, through the cold war years, the air forces have done more than their part to ensure the safety of our people, our blessed land. I invite you to join a movement that will restore Russia to its greatest glory. I now will take questions." |
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A lieutenant standing against the wall spoke up and said almost lazily, "Tell me, General, as a student of this glorious Russian historyis there any truth to the stories I have heard? That our planes and tanks and artillery pieces and missiles are being sold to our potential enemies at bargain prices?" |
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Kalinin was horrified. Had the word gotten out? It was true that Minister of Defense Suvorov had been quietly selling armored vehicles and surface-to-air missiles to the Chinese and to India for hard currency, but the knowledge had been held to a very few in the government. "That is a treasonous question," he snapped, "and totally out of order." |
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"Nevertheless, General. The Western press carries stories about our best remaining technology going to both the Chinese and some Arab countries," the lieutenant said. |
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"The Western press lies, has always lied, about us." Kalinin's face reddened. |
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From the other side of the room another flyer drawled, "At Frunze, we were told that we taught the Iraqis all they knew about military tactics and strategy. Is that true, General?" |
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Kalinin said sharply, "We cannot be held accountable for the incompetence of Arab soldiers." |
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"Has anyone explained that to our client states, those we have armed and advised for years past, General?" the flyer, eyebrows raised, asked, to general laughter. |
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