New Security Checks Sought

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30811, 24 July 1965, Page 15

New Security Checks Sought

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, July 23. Tough new security checks in British Government departments are called for today by a special commission set up to probe loopholes revealed by two spy cases last May.

The commission was set up after Frank Bossard, aged 52, was imprisoned for 21 years for passing aviation secrets to the Soviet Union and Staff Sergeant Percy Allen, aged 33, was imprisoned for 10 years for selling documents to Middle Eastern countries. Mr Wilson has already said that security gaps revealed by their trials were being closed. The commission, headed by Lord Justice Winn, clears the security service of blame for any failure or inefficiency in

either the Bossard or Allen case. But it makes these chief points about tightening. up future security arrangements: 1. A new look should be taken at the question of spot personal searches of officials with access to top secret or secret documents. 2. Closer and more frequent vetting should be made of people with access to confidential information. 3. Rules about access to confidential documents should be tougher. 4. Special attention should be given to officials returning to Britain from overseas, especially from Communist countries.