We may smile at this account of the genesis of
a Spectator "leader," but Herr Richter's blunder throws an interesting light upon the kind of methods which may be expected from those who are working for a big Navy Vote. The Government organs, no doubt after a hint from the authorities, fell upon Mr. Lee's speech, just as they fell upon the Spectator article ten years ago, as bringing exactly the grist to their mill which they wanted. Since then we have been very careful not to provide unconsciously arguments for a bigger Navy, and we think that all public writers and speakers should be equally on their guard. The Press Bureau, or whatever is the body which conducts its Press campaigns for the German Govern- ment, is exceedingly vigilant and enterprising, and when the need is great will find its raw material in the most expected places.
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