What is the theme in A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler?

Predestination is another theme in the book. In the beginning of the novel, the narrator relates Latimer's background, but he also comments on the bizarre coincidence of a man like Latimer becoming involved with a man like Dimitrios. He downplays the idea that it could be the contrived workings of a higher power, but he notes that the story is dependent on a bizarre string of coincidences. The introduction leaves the reader with a feeling that, although the reason is incomprehensible, the role of Latimer in Dimitrios's life, and vice versa, is somehow predestined.