Speaking on behalf of my department, however, Mr.Norgate," he went on, "this is briefly our position.

In the neighbourhood of our naval bases, our dockyards, our military aeroplane sheds, and in other directions which I need not specify, we keep the most scrupulous and exacting watch.

We even, as of course you are aware, employ decoy spies ourselves, who work in conjunction with our friends at Whitehall.

Our system is a rigorous one and our supervision of it unceasing.

But--and this is a big 'but', Mr.Norgate--in other directions--so far as regards the country generally, that is to say--we do not take the subject of German spies seriously.