RADIO INFORMATION

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21336, 6 February 1941, Page 9

RADIO INFORMATION

(To the Editor) Sir, —The writer learns that Mr B. Shiel, deputy-controller of the National Broadcasting Service, is reported to have stated “that in the use of the service it is impossible for advertisers to convey coded information to the enemy.” Let us accept the statement on its face value. Anyone having a knowledge of spies, ciphers and codes smiles at the idea that it is “impossible” to put a code message across the air per medium of a song, play, an address or a talk. Here is a question for Mr Shiel. Has he ever witnessed a “mind reading” demonstration on the stage where the artists describe the colour of one’s eyes or hair, the date on a coin, the names of places, persons, towns, cities, articles, etc., through the medium of a code? Consequently, the description of a ship, together with its cargo, the arrival and departure of vessels, can all be described either on the stage or over the air. In fact, the floor of a radio station is an ideal spot for a “mind reading” demonstration. So much so that I am quite willing to put any number of coded messages over the air at any time, regardless of the fact that the receiver of the messages, my coassociate, can be any distance away from the station where I am speaking from. Will Mr Shiel accept this friendly suggestion?—l am, etc., HARRY WOODRUFFE. Auckland, February 4.