My anger is not wholly irrational. Cruelty and stupidity are
perhaps the worst of human vices, and the inanity of the spy maniac is only equalled by his downright unkind- ness. He selects for persecution (a) prominent British sub- jects who have endeavoured in the past to improve relations between Great Britain and Germany, and (b) obacure and helpless people of German origin or connexions who are accused of signalling to enemy aeroplanes or laying down secret gun-emplacements in their rock-gardens. It never seems to occur to such maniacs that the German spy-system and our anti-espionage service are both staffed by extremely intelligent men. The former would never dream of employing people who could possibly come under sus- picion. The latter are one of the sharpest (and I may add the kindest) of our Departments. In the last War I had considerable experience of both.
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