[James C. Bennett]

One would hope that we really DID know they were there but want them to think we didn’t know (Misinformation). If we knew they were there, there would be no reason to let them know we could watch it, so you may be right.

LOL, that's like not raising an alarm when thieves have broken into your house, lest they become aware of the presence of an anti-theft device (which failed).

[TwelveOfTwenty]

(GeorgeWashingtonsGhost) One would hope that we really DID know they were there but want them to think we didn’t know (Misinformation).

(Me) If we knew they were there, there would be no reason to let them know we could watch it, so you may be right.

LOL, that's like not raising an alarm when thieves have broken into your house, lest they become aware of the presence of an anti-theft device (which failed).

Poor analogy, assuming we actually were monitoring them and didn't let on. Misinformation is a common tool nations use to keep enemies and "frienemies" in the dark about their abilities.