The German Attorney-General was represented in reports of the trial
as having contended that the information sought for by the officers was part of some scheme for attacking Germany That is, perhaps, a contention admissible for counsel eager to get a verdict, but it should be remembered that it is the practice of naval and military authorities all the world over to obtain as much information as they can about the coasts and frontiers of all possible enemies. The German War Office and Admiralty, for example, have paper schemes for attacking even their own allies, based upon information from Secret Service agents, but such paper schemes do not in the least imply any intention to attack. Some years ago, when there was no hint of strained relations with Germany, a story was current to show how perfect is German information in this respect.
Previous page
