Official Secrets

Official secrets. The (English) Official Secrets Act, 1889, was the first Act aimed at the prevention of the disclosure of official secrets. This Act was repealed and re-enacted with amendments by the (English) Official Secrets Act, 1911, which has been amended by the (English) Official Secrets Act, 1920. It is made an offence to spy in a 'prohibited place,' or wrongfully to communicate codes, plans, models, documents, or information relating to such a place, or to munitions of war, or which are used in such a place. There are special provisions as to arrest, the harbouring of spies, and the issue of search warrants. A Secretary of State may require the production of any document relating to a telegram or cable or wireless message. Every person who carries on the business of receiving letters, postal packets, or telegrams for other persons must be registered with the police and keep a record of the letters, etc., passing through his hands, and must not give up a letter, etc., unless a receipt is signed, or written instructions for delivery are given, by the addressee.