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annieties about the way it hi en handled, I think it best that we should ; Pursue them in further confidential talks with the Prime Minister. “We feel that in the public interest this matter should now be left where it is, and not made the subject of further public discussion or of a public inquiry.” | Mr. Macmillan was grateful, and said | so. It says much for Mr. Wilson's con- | trol of his supporters that muttering on | the Labour benches ceased forthwith. Only Mr. Grimond, who alone among the party leaders had not been let into the secret, Was not content to let the matter rest. Had not the Government a duty to the public, whose interest had natur- } ally been aroused by the original state- ment? Could the House be assured that there was no lack of liaison between those investigating Philby's activities and the Foreign Office, who were apparently unable to warn The Observer of what was going on? TRACE OF IRRITATION The Prime Minister showed a trace of irritation, That. he said, was a good example of the sort of danger he was trying to avoid. “Jf the right honour- , able gentleman hac any experience, as alas I have. of the sort of operation which we are forced to undertake in the present conditions of the world. I think he would not have put his question ". Mr. Macmillan said. The incident was closed. The House was left to muse that the fantasies of Mr. lan Fleming may not be so out- ‘landish after all. _—