Late in the afternoon as during late summer, Marshall Grenouille left his bunker and strode among the crowds thronging the Champs Elysees. Walking towards the Eifel Tower it suddenly struck him that Paris was completely silent. Summoning an aide he boomed, "What is the meaning of all this nonsense?". "Mon cher Marshal," replied the aide, "it is the city holding it's breath awaiting the outcome of our noble defensive manouevres to the west. Our fate is in the balance as we face the might hordes of England and Germany. The people are frightened by the Anglo-Boche aggression".

"Pah!", replied the Marshal. "We shall prevail no matter what. Those cases of Greek ouzo sent by the Pasha have been used to create a new deadly form of munitions. Munich will be reduced to rubble. London will be annihilated. We will triumph and put an end to all of this Oktoberfest nonsense. We will put an end to feesh and cheeps and the rest of that foul cuisine so favoured by the English."

"But what of the Russians and the Italians, sir", quivered the aide.

"Ah, what of them, indeed. Their silence speaks volumes. The French people must pray that if we unjustly fall victim to treachery, our noble friend the Pasha will launch his programme of 'education' among the Italian and Russian forces. Now call me a taxi, I have an appointment at the Russian embassy."