Robin sighed and sat. ‘So you think Timber Wolf is really a paid agent because of the amount he’s given in unearned expenses and that if this came to light in Brussels it would make an already mighty stink even stinkier? No argument about that. Thus, if we want to continue the relationship we should seek clearance from the secretary of state and the prime minister so that they know the risks we’re running and if the balloon goes up it’s HMG that takes responsibility, not just us. By which I mean, you. What are those risks? How likely is it to come to light?’

‘The EU itself has no intelligence service – yet – and no serious counter-intelligence capability. It’s unlikely that Timber Wolf or anyone else is under any sort of surveillance. But the French have active intelligence services and we know they take an interest in what goes on in Brussels. The Germans could but probably don’t on principle – so far. It’s unlikely that anyone would target Timber Wolf as a security threat but it’s possible the French could stumble across it accidentally or that there could simply be gossip – the EU community in Brussels is very gossipy, as you well know, and they all know each other. Thus, the threat of exposure is small but the consequences would be serious, serious enough to threaten the government if Parliament had one of its fits of self-righteousness and got over-excited. It follows that the government should be told of the risks we’re taking on its behalf and should formally say yes, go ahead, we accept them. Or no, risks unacceptable, stop it, close the case.’

Robin nodded. ‘You’re right, absolutely, you must submit on it. But I should tell you now that any such submission is very unlikely to be agreed. My comment will be that the case is not worth the political risk no matter how much we value the Timber Wolf stuff and I’m pretty certain that the ambassador in Brussels, the head of negotiations and the cabinet secretary – they’ll all be consulted – will say the same.’

‘And ministers?’

‘Less predictable. The foreign secretary – not averse to the odd bit of risk-taking as we know – might say go ahead, the minister for Brexit could go either way, the prime minister is cautious, as we also know, and is unlikely to go against the collective view of the mandarinate. But could be persuaded otherwise by ministers. Which means you should submit a.s.a.p., expect it to be turned down and meanwhile suspend meetings between Gareth Horley and Timber Wolf, as you have already.’ He stood and picked up a clipboard and papers. ‘Thanks, Charles, you were right to bring it straight away, as soon as you became concerned. I won’t say anything to the secretary of state until we get your submission.’