Security Reply

A Spokesman for Security Intelligence released the following statement when approached by Salient for comment on the article, "Secret Police Campus Check?"

The Security Service has been approached by Salient for comments on an article entitled "Secret Police Campus Check?" published by Salient on June 29, 1965.

We would like to thank Salient staff for ap­proaching us. This is a thing that very few people appear to think of, perhaps because they honestly believe that we are unapproachable. Sometimes, however, we are attacked by persons or organisations that are aware that our right of reply is necessarily restricted on certain issues.

During our conversation with Salient we were given the impression that the article in question arose from an alleged approach by telephone to students, seeking information on the political affiliations of fellow students. We can categorically state that no such approach was made by a member of this Service. This alleged approach was recently brought to our notice through official channels and after investiga­tion we gave an assurance that no approach had been made by a member of this Service and that the inci­dent gave every appearance of a student hoax.

Our advice to any person who believes he may be contacted by a member of the Security Service is that he should telephone the listed number and check as to the bona fides of the inquirer.

This Service has no interest in student politics or in campus activities, nor do "security policemen," "stringers" or "contacts" snoop round student forums or debates.