* * We have been told stories of how the
Germans are imme- diately informed even of the smallest incident in Allied countries. There is the story (told alternatively about Pre- sident Lebrun and King George VI) of how the band in the German front-line struck up a national anthem the moment he arrived. There is the story of how, in some Midland city, a.7as-main exploded in a thoroughfare and bow the Hamburg wireless within four hours relayed that most incidental piece nf information. I have never been able to check up upon these stories. It is obvious that the Germans delight in dislocating confidence, in spreading anxiety, in diminishing Council prestige by referring to comic municipal matters upon the wireless. Yet I have not as yet been given proof that such information was conveyed to our enemies at a speed more rapid than would be required for the local Cardiff or Northampton newspaper to reach Rotterdam by ordinary methods. It is most disturbing, of course, to be asked by Lord Haw-Haw whether the muni- cipal clock still stands at 3.45, yet it is not astounding that he should ask this question if the information upon which it is based has been telephoned to him that afternoon from Rotterdam. There is no need in such incidental matters to suspect a secret wireless in every German pocket.
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