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'Official secrets are for sharing' badge

Object

Badge

Production date

1978

Object number

2024.33

Physical Description

Circular badge with black and red text reading 'Official secrets are for sharing'; the font used for the words 'official secrets' recalls the well-known stamp 'top secret' usually applied to confidential documents.

Object history

This badge was owned and worn by Hackney journalist and N.U.J member Ian Rathbone.

The slogan “Official secrets are for sharing,” was used by the Aubrey/Berry/Campbell Defence Committee in the late 1970s following the prosecution of two Hackney-based journalists Crispin Aubrey and Duncan Campbell, as well as their contact ex-soldier John Berry, for offences under the Official Secrets Act 1911. The 1978 trail became known as the 'ABC' trial (after the defendants' initials).

Material

Metal
Plastics
Paper

Dimension

Diameter (Front): 3.7cm

On display?

No

Inscription

[Front] Official secrets are for sharing

[Back] The badge shop
18 Earlham Street - London WC2 - telephone - cod - 836 - 9327