The Foreign Service Journal, June 2009

8 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 9 as established in the time of Marshall Stalin, to be eternal? After all, I thought the new administration’s man- tra was “change.” Among the three ar- ticles, my ideas coincide most with those of Paul Fritch from the Organi- zation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (“The Russia Factor”). In my opinion, with the termination of the Soviet Union and the concomi- tant end of the Soviet empire and threat toWestern Europe, the need for NATO also ended. Just think of the savings if it were abolished! Yet be- cause of some unexplained infatuation, we seem to have insisted not only on its continued existence, but on its ex- pansion. And since an expanded NATO is a finger in the Russian eye, is it any wonder that Moscow sought to support nations such as Iran and Venezuela? I suggest that we think boldly and seek to integrate Russia more fully and firmly into Europe. At the same time we should reduce our military role there. Sheldon Avenius FSO, retired Miami, Fla. Seeking John Haigh In 1956, while stationed with the U.S. Army in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Ger- many, an MG TF sports car came into my temporary custody. Being a sports car buff and an adventurous sort, I ap- plied for a three-day pass to drive through the Alps and over the St. Got- thard Pass to Milan, to attend the fa- mous race at the Monza Track. Unbeknownst to me, engine oil started leaking out around the oil filter gasket when I started the engine. By the time I got midway through the Alps, my oil pressure had dropped to zero! I was able to get a tow to a garage but, being on a very tight budget, I had brought just enough money for the mission at hand, with no contingency funds. After paying the garage, I had only enough money to reach Milan or to turn around and drive back to Stuttgart. I decided to continue. I reached Milan at 4 p.m., after the Monza race was over. I had enough cash for either a hotel room or a good meal. I opted for the meal, and then did the only thing a foolish young sol- dier could do at that point: I curled my 6’3” frame up across the MG cockpit and eventually fell asleep. In the morning, I decided that my best course was to go to the American consulate and try to borrow enough money to get back to Stuttgart. To my dismay, I found an announcement on the front door that the consulate was closed for the Fourth of July! I sawmy only possible salvation in a small sign that said: “In case of emergency, call the consul at …” Not wanting to be absent without leave, I dialed the number and was re- warded by the voice of a kind gentle- man, John W. Haigh. He listened patiently to my fool’s tale, and arrived about 20 minutes later. After review- ing my situation, he generously gave me enough money to get me back to Stuttgart. I thanked him profusely, promising him that he would be repaid within the week. He probably thought he would never see that money again! As I drove north fromMilan, dark- ness began to fall. I knew how long the drive took but figured, correctly, that going back at night, on unfamiliar roads, would take me longer. As I crossed back into Germany, a light rain began to fall. The rest of the journey to Stuttgart turned into my own pri- vate Monza race, driving on the very edge of control, with bald rear tires giving the feel of glare ice to the cob- blestone roads. I passed through the main gate at Patch Barracks at 6 a.m., went to my barracks and collapsed on my bunk. I have looked back many times on that trip, almost 53 years ago, and thought how great it would be to speak with Mr. Haigh once more. Of course, it’s unlikely he is still alive, but his chil- dren or grandchildren would enjoy hearing this tale of his kindness, if it were possible to track them down. We exchanged Christmas cards for a few years, but I don’t know where he is today. I’d be most grateful to hear from a relative of his if one happens to spot this letter. Please contact me at focalplane@cfl.rr.com . ■ David B. Keith Shady Intl. Airport Ocala, Fla. L E T T E R S