The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi

25. The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of

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the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. [As explained in §§ 22-24. He not only brings information himself, but makes it possible to use the other kinds of spy to advantage.] Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality.