I have been advised that this nameless agent is in a position to establish his bona fides at any time, as he bears a number of these cards. You see, Chief Inspector, I am frank with you.

If any railway official, policeman, or member of the Forces on duty, requests the discontinuance of any particular form of observation or note-taking, it is clearly right to give immediate compliance, especially when it is borne in mind that public authorities now have very wide powers to hold members of the general public in custody while inquiries are being conducted as to their bona fides.

There followed standard questions to establish Carter’s bona fides, his length of experience and seniority.

Bona fides

Meaning

Noun

Origin