I wanted to concur with your position. A subpoena is a pretty tough position to take, and I'm wondering whether it might be more appropriate to let the deputy know that the committee wishes to see the people we requested, and that's that. In other words, perhaps we should give him one more chance. If he's out of the country, you're going to have trouble finding him to do a subpoena. You may know where he is, but what are you going to do, send someone over to Europe?
I support your position. The question is, what does one do next? I suppose the choice is a subpoena to all witnesses. Secondly, a letter from you or the clerk could be sent indicating that the committee wishes to thank you for your letter, but notwithstanding it, the committee wishes to see the following witnesses.
But I quite concur with what you're saying. We don't take orders from the deputy; the deputy takes orders from us.