THE JOURNEY
77
It
only accords you permission to travel into and out of the Free City.
Moreover, it indicates no nationality."
-"My nationality was snatched from me."
- "Snatched?"
-"By a debased, corrupt and interloping power, acting without
legality. In my homeland citizenship
is
conferred by birth and cannot
be taken away without violation of universally recognized first prin–
ciples. As for my passport, it was confiscated by the Cuban police
after I was already on the plane leaving that country for Mexico.
It was an act of political malice leaving me naked to the world."
-"These are big words you throw at me, friend. Corrupt,
legality, malice! Naked! Tell me frankly your purpose in visiting
Genoa. Tourism, I suppose? The seduction or purchase of our women?
To incite discontent among the unemployed sailors who speak Spa–
nish? Yes, no doubt that is it."
-"We are only passing through, sir, on our way to the Free
City."
-"This document gives no place of birth. Where were you
born?"
-"In Guatemala."
-"Why did you not stay there?"
-"I was deported."
-"And you think to go through our city without passport,
nationality or citizenship, disseminating leaflets of hatred."
-"I am a citizen of the world. Also of the Caribbean fraternity
of nations."
-"The Caribbean fraternity? I have not heard of that. And
these leaflets you intend to spawn and scatter on our streets-what
do they say?"
Seguros' face was twisted in the anguish of a man unwilling to
betray his principles.
"The concepts of democracy, the fraternal aspirations, the idea
of federation with specific plans, the taxation of the rich
-"Basta! Silence! Did I ask you for a speech?"
-"No, officer."
-"Do
you intend to seek employment in Genoa?"
-"No, your honor."
-"And you will leave the city within twenty-four hours?"
-"Yes, excellency."
