by Jill Eldredge Gabriele
Years later, former Ambassador Dubs would often tell about an unusual New Year’s Eve.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Spike Dubs joined the diplomatic corp, working his way up to becoming the acting ambassador to the USSR during the Cold War. The Soviet Union and United States, engaged in an era of intrigue and espionage, had the KGB and CIA deploying spies across the globe, stealing secrets, gathering intelligence and influencing governments.
The few friends who were able to visit Spike and his wife Jane in Moscow, were advised to say nothing other than banalities, as the Ambassador’s residence was known to be “bugged.” If someone would ask a potentially indiscrete question, Spike would glance at the ceiling chandelier and change the topic. If his guest insisted, Spike would suggest a walk, where presumably, conversation could be unmonitored.
A New Year’s Eve party at the residence found the Embassy staff gathered to ring in the new year together. After a glass or two of libation, the Americans joked aloud to their invisible interlopers, lamenting their Soviet compatriots having to work on New Year’s. “Why not join the party?” they chimed.
As midnight drew closer, more quips escaped: “Plenty of champagne, we know you are listening. Why not come over and join the party?”
The Americans cheered as the nearby church bell tolled in the New Year, with “Auld Lang Syne” erupting from the colleagues. But a sharp ring of the telephone quickly silenced the singers, a nervous anxiety replacing the festive mood.
“Yes?” answered Ambassador Dubs into the telephone. And for a brief moment, all that Spike could hear was the popping of a champagne cork, followed by a dial tone.
Jill Eldredge Gabriele: Writing has always been a part of my life: project editor at Rand McNally; editor at Mobil Travel Guide; and now for pleasure.