AUTHOR SUMMONED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 264, 7 November 1932, Page 7

AUTHOR SUMMONED.

Alleged Breach of Official Secrets Act. OOMPTON MACKENZIE BOOK. (Received 11 a.m.)LONDON, November 6. A summons has been issued against Mr. C'ompton Mackenzie, the author, alleging the divulgement of information contrary to the Official Secrets Act in his book, "Greek Memories," published last week, the withdrawal of which was requested by the Government. It ie believed that one objectionable item was the disclosure of the identity of "C," the chief of the British Secret Service before and during the war. •

The case will be heard in camera owing* to the large number of secret service officials who will be called to give evidence.

Mr, Compton Mackenzie, a son of Edward Compton of the Compton Comedy Company, gained much appreciation for his no\'els, "The Passionate Elopement" and "Carnival." He published "Sinister Street" in 1913,. and its sequel later. He is nlso the author of "Sylvia Scarlett," "Poor Relatives," "Fairy Gold," and other novels. He went as a war correspondent in 1915. He joined the staff of "The Daily Mail" in 1931.