IS the British Embassy in Beijing a postbox? Those of us brought up on BBC television, and old enough to remember Dr Who and his spaceship disguised as a police telephone-box, may attach more significance to this question than it perhaps deserves.
But both Martin Barrow, who said it was a postbox, and Secretary for Security Alistair Asprey, who said it wasn't, are British gentlemen of a certain age. They are just young enough, however, to have fond memories of the time-and-space travelling doctor in the checked trousers and the novel conveyance.
Neither can therefore be unaware that a spacious, comfortable but functional accommodation can be packed into an area no bigger than a shower-compartment. (If you don't believe it, ask any Hong Kong property agent . . ) When such men lock horns over whether an embassy is or is not a letter-box, we have to take the matter seriously.
And when Howard Young, who was a student in England in Dr Who's heyday, says Mr Asprey has admitted the embassy is a postbox just seconds after he has firmly denied it, we begin to realise there is more to this exchange than meets the eye.
The truth emerged, as Mr Asprey said he didn't say, but seemed to be saying (which is just as good, if you ask Mr Young) that this was no ordinary postbox.
This was a super-postbox which could answer inquiries on Hong Kong visa requirements as well as hold letters until the postman arrived.