The MI6 chief’s title “C” and his signature green ink in official documents originate from Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming’s personal style, a century-old practice that links modern espionage with its historic roots and inspired the James Bond character “M.”
The tradition within the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, of referring to its head as “C” and that chief’s use of green ink in official correspondence, stems from its first director, Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming. Contrary to the misconception that “C” abbreviates “chief,” the designation originated with Cumming, who habitually signed his letters with a “C” in green ink. This personal quirk set a precedent that endures over a century later, with each successive MI6 chief adopting the letter “C” as a title and maintaining the distinctive green ink signature.
Sir Mansfield Cumming, a naval officer before helming MI6, established this unique identity marker which has become emblematic of the role. The consistent use of green ink not only serves as a nod to tradition but carries a symbolic weight within intelligence circles, underscoring continuity and the legacy of the service’s origins. This practice has been noted repeatedly by recent MI6 chiefs, including the current incumbent, Richard Moore, who continues the legacy of signing documents in green ink, a detail highlighted in various media interviews and features.
The naming convention and ink choice have also attracted public interest, illustrating how small idiosyncrasies can cement themselves as institutional rituals, linking present-day intelligence work with its historical roots. Sir Mansfield Cumming’s role and his impact went beyond administrative customs; he is also famously cited as a real-life inspiration for the fictional character “M” in the James Bond series. This cultural connection further entrenches the symbolism of the green ink “C” in popular imagination alongside its official intelligence service significance.
Understanding these nuances clarifies misconceptions around the MI6 chief’s title and highlights the importance of tradition in national intelligence. Such practices help preserve a sense of identity within the secretive world of espionage, even as the organisation evolves to meet contemporary challenges.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/19/why-mi6-chief-is-c-and-uses-green-ink – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/19/why-mi6-chief-is-c-and-uses-green-ink – An article from The Guardian discussing the tradition of MI6 chiefs being known as ‘C’ and using green ink, originating from Sir Mansfield Cumming, the first head of MI6, who signed his letters with ‘C’ in green ink.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mi6-chief-messages-green-ink-b1966774.html – An article from The Independent detailing MI6 chief Richard Moore’s use of green ink, a tradition established by the first ‘C’, Sir Mansfield Cumming, who was a naval officer and wrote in green ink.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/richard-moore-aston-martin-james-bond-nick-robinson-bbc-radio-b969121.html – An article from the Evening Standard discussing MI6 chief Richard Moore’s use of green ink, a tradition dating back to Sir Mansfield Cumming, the first head of MI6, who was a naval man and wrote in green ink.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32126061.amp – A BBC News article about a plaque unveiled for the first MI6 chief, Sir Mansfield Cumming, marking the location where he lived and worked, and discussing the tradition of MI6 chiefs being known as ‘C’ and using green ink.
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1057318/james-bond-real-mi6-chief-inspired-m-character-mansfield-smith-cumming-spt – An article from the Express discussing how the real MI6 chief, Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming, inspired the ‘M’ character in James Bond, and his tradition of signing documents with ‘C’ in green ink.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/richard-moore-aston-martin-james-bond-nick-robinson-bbc-radio-b969121.html – An article from the Evening Standard discussing MI6 chief Richard Moore’s use of green ink, a tradition dating back to Sir Mansfield Cumming, the first head of MI6, who was a naval man and wrote in green ink.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 19 June 2025. However, similar content has appeared in reputable outlets like The Independent and BBC News in 2021 and 2015, respectively. The Guardian’s report may be a response to these earlier pieces, indicating a recycled narrative. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mi6-chief-messages-green-ink-b1966774.html?utm_source=openai), [bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32126061?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated information about the current MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, which justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from the 2021 interview with Richard Moore, the previous MI6 chief. These quotes have been used in earlier publications, indicating potential reuse. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mi6-chief-messages-green-ink-b1966774.html?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of updated information about Blaise Metreweli adds originality to the report.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a reputable UK news organisation, lending credibility to the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the MI6 chief’s title and the use of green ink are well-documented and consistent with historical records. The report includes updated information about Blaise Metreweli, the current MI6 chief, which is plausible and aligns with recent developments.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent report from The Guardian, which includes updated information about the current MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli. However, similar content has appeared in reputable outlets like The Independent and BBC News in 2021 and 2015, respectively, indicating a recycled narrative. The inclusion of updated information adds originality, but the reuse of earlier quotes and content warrants further scrutiny.
