Before I answer, might I ask where you're from? You sound familiar with England, but also imply that there would be those who are not.

[If this was an information exchange, then he was going to get his fair share in return. It also bought him time to mull over what information to offer up, his rank for example. On one hand it could serve as something of a shield, on the other, it could just as easily paint a target on his back.]

I will answer your question of course, I simply need to know just how much I would need to explain. If you know the country, then I can skip a fair bit.