SPIES SPREAD RUMOURS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 85, 10 April 1917, Page 3

SPIES SPREAD RUMOURS

COMMOTION IN ENGLAND.

OFFICIAL CONTRADICTION.

■LONDON, 26th March.

The atmosphere of sensationalism in London leads to repeated waves of ..the wildest rumours, which excite the whole of the country, resulting in crowds in the street awaiting the newspapers, and general telephoning. This week-end the rumours, included the destruction of Margate arid Ramsgate, the invasion of Scotland, the, \sinking of two German transports and the capture of a tliird, whilst Zeppelins soared like snowflakes over the south-west of England. These were followed by widespread rumours of revolution in Germany, and that 80,000 Germans had surrendered to the British. All were baseless.

In the House of Commons to-day Mr. Thorne asked whether the Government was aware of rumours that the Germans had landed in Scotland and Lowestoft.

Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of the House, said : " I have heard numerous rumours, but have been unable to find any foundation for them."

The commotion was apparently created by the fact that the home defence troops were ordered to prepare for emergency, which often occurs., It is now stated that the rumours have been spread by Gorman' spies.