Importance of Double Agents-Sun Zi

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Importance of Double Agents by Sun Zi

English: It is through information gained from double agents that the situations of the enemy can be known, and loyal and inside agents can be recruited and deployed as well. It is through the intelligence gained from the double agents that we are able to use doomed agents to carry false information to the enemy. It is through the efforts of the double agents that our living agents are able to return on time with important reports of the enemy. The ruler must know fully how to use and operate the five different kinds of agents and espionage activities. However to know the situation and condition of the enemy, the ruler must depend on double agents. Thus double agents must be treated the most generously.

Modern: 通过反间了解敌情，这样乡间、内间就可以为我所用了；通过反间了解敌情，这样就能使死间把虚假情报传给敌人；通过反间了解敌情，这样就可以使生间按预定时间，回来报告敌情。五种间谍的使用，国君都必须掌握，而要了解敌情的主要关键在于使用反间，所以反间不可不给予优厚的待遇。

Original: 因是而知之，故乡间、内间可得而使也； 因是而知之，故死间为诳事，可使告敌。因是而知之，故生间可使如期。五间之事，主必知之，知之必在于反间，故反间不可不厚也。

Business Application:

From: Sun Zi Art of War Chapter 13