So far the evidence is compatible with Mr. Shaw having
been a self-appointed agent of the kind we have imagined. The Morning Post of Tuesday, however, published an interview with Mr. Shaw in which he said that he had nothing to be ashamed of as he had acted for the Government, who knew all about him. It will be remembered that on July 10th in the House of Lords Lord Crawford said that " so far as the Government are con- cerned no such authorization has been given." On Monday the Prime lltrinister's attention was called to the Duke of North- umberland's letter, whereupon he said, "I do not know Mr. Shaw. I have never heard of him before. I never authorized anyone on my behalf to instruct Mr. Shaw nor anyone else to act in the way he is alleged to have done." That denial, of course, we can unreservedly accept. Although the Prime Minister is respon- sible for recommending persons for honours, he would not allow himself to be told of such transactions as the Duke of Northum- berland has described. He may accept the results while studiously ignoring the methods. The Coalition Parliamentary Whips have also disavowed all knowledge of Mr. Shaw.
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