Produced by Greg Weeks, dpcfmander and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
[Transcriber's Note: This story was first published in March 1955 _Galaxy_ and the etext was produced from the anthology "All the Traps of Earth and other stories". Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The chief of protocol said, "Mr. Hudson of--ah--Mastodonia."
The secretary of state held out his hand. "I'm glad to see you, Mr. Hudson. I understand you've been here several times."
"That's right," said Hudson. "I had a hard time making your people believe I was in earnest."
"Believe me, sir, I would not try to fool you."
"And this Mastodonia," said the secretary, reaching down to tap the document upon the desk. "You will pardon me, but I've never heard of it."
"It's a new nation," Hudson explained, "but quite legitimate. We have a constitution, a democratic form of government, duly elected officials, and a code of laws. We are a free, peace-loving people and we are possessed of a vast amount of natural resources and--"
"Please tell me, sir," interrupted the secretary, "just where are you located?"
"Technically, you are our nearest neighbors."
"But that is ridiculous!" exploded Protocol.
"Not at all," insisted Hudson. "If you will give me a moment, Mr. Secretary, I have considerable evidence."
He brushed the fingers of Protocol off his sleeve and stepped forward to the desk, laying down the portfolio he carried.
"Go ahead, Mr. Hudson," said the secretary. "Why don't we all sit down and be comfortable while we talk this over?"
"You have my credentials, I see. Now here is a propos--"
"I have a document signed by a certain Wesley Adams."
"He's our first president," said Hudson. "Our George Washington, you might say."
"What is the purpose of this visit, Mr. Hudson?"
"We'd like to establish diplomatic relations. We think it would be to our mutual benefit. After all, we are a sister republic in perfect sympathy with your policies and aims. We'd like to negotiate trade agreements and we'd be grateful for some Point Four aid."
The secretary smiled. "Naturally. Who doesn't?"
"We're prepared to offer something in return," Hudson told him stiffly. "For one thing, we could offer sanctuary."