The phrase 'can neither confirm nor deny' is the perfect non-denial denial. It's such a perfect deflection that it seems like it's been around forever.
In a way, spying is about creating illusions. It's about double bluffs. It's about creating a sense of uncertainty in your opponent. And I think he is a sad figure and in a way reflects some of the personal cost of spying that you spend a lifetime lying to other people and also lying to those people near to you.
