Читать книгу Secrets of German Espionage - Bernard Newman - Страница 17

Having discussed generally and rather spasmodically the general outline of espionage, it is now time to pass to a more detailed examination of the German spy system. I shall interpolate many examples of German spy activities, for there is no better method of emphasizing a point. Further, we shall see that the Germans are intensely conservative, and it is reasonably certain that many of the espionage methods of the last war have been resuscitated to-day.

We have to cover an enormously wide range—necessary because of the German adoption of the “mass” principle. We must first see how German spies are recruited and trained, how they obtain, and especially how they transmit, their information. We must examine their activities in the years preceding the present war, noting how widespread were their efforts: we shall see them at work in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Spain and any troubled centre of Europe. We must glance at some special aspects of modern spying—sabotage and counter-espionage, for example. And, if only as light relief, let us spend a few hours with women spies.

One word of warning: in 1914 England suffered from spy-phobia. There are thousands of active German spies in Europe: in spite of our round-up, there may be some at large in England. Yet there is no cause for alarm: it is not within my theme to talk of the British Secret Service, and I would not if I could. But at least I can say this: that the British counter-espionage service is exceedingly efficient.