The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1915. SPIES IN ENGLAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 83, 12 April 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1915. SPIES IN ENGLAND.

Exceedingly well-known as a .very clever writer of sensational fiction, Mr illiam Lc Quoux has even a greater claim to public attention. It will be remembered that ton years ago lie aroused a good deal of interest by a novel with a purpose, entitled “The Invasion of England,” which Lord lioherts was so struck with that, in a speech in the House of Lords, lie recommended a perusal of the work to everyone who had the welfare of the

British Empire at heart. Mr Le Queux, it may bo mentioned, had lived for a considerable time in Germany, and had travelled thousands of miles through the country, spending over eighteen months in preparing this particular work alone. That Ids forpeaste of at least what Germany had in her mind to do, was a correct one, subsequent events have amply proved, and instead of being a mere writer of sensational fiction, and one who was stirring ii]) strife between friendly nations, it turns out that ho was able to give a solemn warning, which went practically unheeded. This famous writer has now issued a book entitled “German Spies in England,” and the sale on the day of publication was enormous. The writer describes in detail the wonderful organisation of the German spy system and mentions how Steinhauer, the chief spy. and personal friend of the Kaiser, actually paid a visit in 1911 to King George at Buckingham Palace as a member of the German Emperor’s personal suite . A report is also given of a most remarkable speech said to havel been delivered by the Kais'or at a se-i cret Council held at Potsdam in Juno.l 1908. Mr Le Quenx states it was! given to him by one who was present,! and was communicated by him in con-1 fidonce to certain members of tin l British Cabinet. In this speech the! Emperor spoke for two hours of the danger confronting the German Empire from within and without, and gave the motto, “Deutschland über idles” and said: “Yes. gentlemen,' Genaanv over everything in the world, j

tho first Power in earth both in peace and war; that is the place winch 1 have been ordered by God to conquer| for her and which 1 will conquer for her, with the help of the Almighty.” German Wilhelm went on to toll Ins councillors that ho would strike a blow as soon as he line! a sufficiently large Heel of Zeppelins at his disposal.! “When .these arc ready,” said tins' friend of Britain and of peace, “wo shall destroy England’s North Sea, Channel, ami Atlantic Hoots, after which nothing on earth can prevent tiu> landing of our army on British soil, and its triumphant march to London.” The Emperor gave details of Ins plans and told his hearers that he had issued secret orders to his agents that would at any time bring about the clash desired. Mr Lo Qneux deposited a copy of this speech with Ids publisher, Mr Evoleigh Nash, and saw him lock it up in a drawer in his private room. Two days after, when Mr Nash opened the drawer, he found the paper had been stolen. Mr Le Qneux has no doubt that the theft was perpetrated by German secret agents, for lie has since learned that his manuscripts in the archives of the Secret Service in Berlin. The hook purports to be a truthful statement of what has been going on and with the revelations of Prussian perfidy which have now been made abundantly clear, it probably is a correct account of how treacherously abused the hospitality of Britain lias been while ■ deliberately pl»nuing her downfall and invasion. Certainly it is admitted that a good deal was known by the British Government of Germany’s spy system in England, but as usual that Government was too tolerant, too trustful, and too indifferent to the real danger to take the steps it ought to have done.