"Why aren't the Americans helping us?" Jerry also felt impatient with the reticence of the U.S. to fight alongside the Allies. He could feel Jean’s frustration. He said,
"With the fall of France we had hoped that Roosevelt would drop his policy of isolationism. Many back home are feeling very nervous about what’s happening in Europe. I don't know what will have to happen to bring the United States into the war, but whatever it takes, I hope it will come quickly." Jean's question came in the light of the fact that Italy's Premier Mussolini united his country with Germany against Britain and France. The BBC aired parts of a speech by President Roosevelt in which he said,
"The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor."
Jean gave a brave smile, put a fatherly arm around Lilian and said,
"Still, it's so good to have you two with us." Once the Resistance realized that they could trust Lilian, they welcomed her brother.
Jean was a kind and courageous man. Earlier that month the Germans arrested him for refusing to sign a statement blaming Senegalese soldiers for murders committed by the Germans. A German soldier had scribbled a note to him while he was in prison saying,
"I compliment you on the energy with which you defend your country's honor." He had also been instrumental in uniting the Resistance-fighters in the North and the South.
Lilian looked up at him and said,
"I had given up hope of you ever contacting me. I didn't think you trusted me." Jean smiled and said,
"We didn't. We tailed you for a week. We also checked up on where you came from. The fact is, we seldom allow anyone to join the underground if they don't come with a concrete personal recommendation."
He looked at Jerry and smiled warmly.
"Your sister's word was good enough for us to trust you. We are very pleased to have a small part of America with us."
That night about a dozen members of the Resistance sat and listened to General Charles de Gaulle. He was speaking from London on the BBC. He said,
"Whatever happens, the flame of the French Resistance must not go out, and it will not go out."
To be continued.
