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Inspired by the workings of Nature, this Austrian-born genius developed simple concepts and technologies which could save humanity from the brink of environmental disaster. Part 3 hile Karl Gerchsheimer was relatively well-versed in the overall concept of implosion and also had a greater understanding of Nature's processes, Norman Dodd's life had been devoted to finance and investment. Dodd was therefore something of a layman during these discussions and unable to take any really effective part, having to rely on Gerchsheimer's opinion as to the substance and validity of Viktor Schauberger's ideas. In this way their roles gradually reversed, with Gerchsheimer gaining the more commanding position. In some ways, however, Dodd was more instrumental than Gerchsheimer in bringing the Schaubergers to America. His quiet, forthright and sincere nature inspired the Schaubergers with confidence, and it was essentially because of him that they eventually agreed to the Americans’ overtures. After about three weeks of talks, and feeling in better health, Viktor finally agreed to go, but reiterated categorically that: One thing is to be thoroughly understood. This whole affair is not to take longer than three months; three months only and not a single day longer!™ Early in June 1958, Viktor and Walter Schauberger were requested to fill out a compre- hensive questionnaire for the purposes of obtaining visas to the United States. Shortly thereafter, on 17th June, ten days before their departure, they were taken to the American consulate in Salzburg to have the necessary visas stamped into their passports. Ten min- utes after their arrival, their passports were returned to them. Shaking their hands after the formalities had been completed, the consul then congratulated them on the four-year dura- tion of their visas. Both Viktor and Walter found this remark rather unsettling, for, con- trary to the original agreement whereby Walter would be in the United States for only one year and Viktor for only three months, it now appeared that their presence was required for four years. At this early stage of the affair, however, this mooted extension of their sojourn may in no way have reflected what was actually planned at the time because visas are often issued with a currency of four years. The Schaubergers' trepidations, while well- founded from their point of view owing to their limited experience of postwar travel, would therefore have had no basis in fact. From 8th June onwards, at Gerchsheimer's request and expense, Walter set about gath- ering together all the prototypes, working models, documents, designs, drawings and patents of whatever kind which he thought would be material to the research and develop- ment of implosion. These were eventually packed into cartons and crates and forwarded by sea to the Washington Iron Works, Inc. in Texas where Viktor's devices were to be fabricated. Prior to leaving for Frankfurt to arrange the necessary air-tickets, Gerchsheimer advised the Schaubergers to leave all traditional Austrian clothing, trachten, lederhosen, etc., behind as they would be unsuited to the climate in Texas. More normal apparel would also permit their discreet and inconspicuous integration into American life. On 25th June, Viktor, Walter and Dr Luib left Linz for Frankfurt by train. There they were met by Gerchsheimer and Dodd, who had arrived two days earlier, and were taken to an American-owned hotel for the night. At 10 pm the following day, all five boarded a Pan American Airways flight and were flown non-stop to New York—a relatively low- altitude, bumpy flight of eleven to thirteen hours according to headwind, which for Viktor in his low state of health would have been a gruelling experience. Here, Dodd had arranged for the Schaubergers and Dr Luib to be put up for two or three days at the University Club, at 1 West 54th Street, of which Dodd was a member, so as to allow Viktor to recover from the long flight. The following day, while Viktor remained in his room, Walter went sightseeing and was taken to the top of the Empire State Building. On © 1996 by Callum Coats c/- Gateway Books The Hollies Wellow, Bath BA2 8Q), UK Ph +44 (0)1225 83 5127 Fax +44 (0)1225 84 0012 40 « NEXUS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1996