Have magicians or 'magic tricks' ever been used in war or espionage?

Jasper Maskelyn, a professional magician, developed defensive techniques and camouflage for the allies during World War II using the principles of stage illusion. Some of the things he accomplished include moving the port of Alexandria and vanishing the Suez C. Many of these techniques were considered clified for years and many are also still in use today. If you want the full story, then get a copy of David Fisher's "The War Magician." The link at Amazon.com is listed below.