On the basis of experimental evidence, it is suggested that the high secondary emission gain of Ag&sngbnd;O&sngbnd;Cs photocathodes is not associated with the photoemission of this material in the visible and near‐infrared region of the spectrum. Addition of Ag enhances photoemission but reduces secondary emission whereas superficial oxidation reduces photoemission but increases secondary emission. It is concluded that the Cs2O contained in the cathode, although by itself not sensitive to visible light, is responsible for the high secondary emission as well as for the high uv photoemission.