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– something no Dutchman would have done.
    ‘Give Frau Uhlig the details, addresses and so on, before you go,’ Rauter commanded.
    Hirschfeld nodded.
    ‘We’ll set up a newspaper,’ Rauter said. ‘So we can get proclamations to the Jews quickly.’
    ‘Yes,’ Hirschfeld said. He had heard of this being been done in other cities under Nazi occupation - Prague, Warsaw. ‘I know someone who can edit it for you.’
    ‘Name,’ Rauter barked, nodding at the silently typing Frau Uhlig.
    ‘Simon Emmerik.’
    Rauter asked no questions. The meeting was coming to an end. Hirschfeld decided to make his big play – to save as many Jews as he could. He shifted in his chair again, squaring his shoulders.
    ‘Herr Rauter, as you know, my colleague meneer van Tonningen and I are agreed on the overall strategy for the integration of Holland into the Reich. That strategy is to maintain Dutch economic independence as a full trading partner, serving the Reich’s interests. Now, I would hate to see this put at risk by the actions of a couple of Jewish hotheads.’
    ‘One of whom is your nephew.’
    ‘Unfortunately, yes.’
    ‘Alright. Get to the point, Hirschfeld.’
    ‘The point, Herr Rauter, is this: There are Jews in key positions in the economy in nearly every industry …’
    Hirschfeld shut his eyes for a second, thanking God that Rauter had not invited van Tonningen to this meeting. With him there, he could never have got away with that assertion.
    There were virtually no Jews in major sectors of the Dutch economy, like construction and agriculture. The Jews were concentrated in the diamond industry, retail trade, clothing and food. The overwhelming majority of them – unlike in Germany – were working- class. Only the diamond industry would be noticeably affected by ‘emigration.’ But fortunately Rauter was not an economist.
    ‘Rather than damage the economy, and cause disruption, by willy-nilly emigration, let us protect those who are essential to our well-being. I propose a list, Herr Rauter. You could call it the Hirschfeld List, of Jews in reserved occupations, needed by the economy, and therefore not subject to deportation.’
    ‘The Hirschfeld List?’ Rauter was silent for a moment. ‘Alright,’ he said, eventually. ‘But in return, I want an increase in output from the shipbuilding yards. Van Tonningen and I stuck our necks out to get the H class cruisers built in Amsterdam. Construction of the Arminius is falling behind, owing to sabotage by your Jews. Can you deliver what I am asking for?’
    Hirschfeld nodded. ‘Yes, consider it done. I’ll speak to the shipyard workers. I’ll need a letter from you, authorizing me to put people on the Hirschfeld List.’
    ‘Frau Uhlig will draw one up, before you leave this office this morning.’
    ‘Thank you, Herr Rauter.’
    ‘You’re welcome, Hirschfeld.’
    *
    Back at his office, Hirschfeld sat at his desk, dry mouthed. Annemarie van Dijk came in.
    ‘Your sister telephoned. She said she would telephone you again.’ Hirschfeld nodded. ‘She sounded upset.’
    Annemarie was still speaking when the telephone on his desk shrilled, making him jump. Else was indeed upset. She was crying. ‘Leen’s been round. You know her boy works at the Town Hall?’ Hirschfeld did know. ‘There’s a warrant out for Manny. They’re looking for him.’
    ‘Else, there’s nothing I can do. They think he’s implicated in the death of a policeman, a German. I can’t protect him.’
    ‘You knew about it?’ She was screaming down the phone. ‘Since when?’
    ‘Since this morning.’
    ‘And you’re just sitting there? Max, go and warn him. Go round to his room, now.’
    ‘It’s too late for that.’
    ‘Max, if you leave Manny in the lurch, don’t bother to come back home. I’ll change the locks, so help me God! Go there! Now!’
    Hirschfeld nervously fiddled with the plaited cord of the telephone. ‘Alright, I’m on my way.’
    He had felt cold in Rauter’s