A former Conservative minister asked Muammar Gaddafi's fugitive son Saif al-Islam to help him recover almost £1 million in fees for his efforts to free the Lockerbie bomber, it has been reported.
Details of Lord Trefgarne's claim for "fees owed" for advice to the Libyans ahead of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi's appeal case were uncovered in an abandoned farmhouse in the outskirts of Tripoli, according to the Sunday Times.
The former trade minister, who served under Margaret Thatcher, had joined forces with Scottish QC Professor Robert Black, and the pair provided political and legal expertise.
A letter, on House of Lords notepaper and dated June 4, 2007, to Saif - who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity - referred to a meeting in Britain, the newspaper said.
The note said while the £940,000 fee "may seem a large sum" it covered "nine years' work".
"During the course of our conversations in London I ventured to draw your attention to the problem being experienced by Professor Robert Black and myself in relation to fees owed over a considerable number of years," the letter said.
"The amount now owing following a small payment on account is 1.5m USD. This may seem a large sum but in fact represents nine years' remuneration, no less, for two senior professionals and is measurably below, we are told, the hourly/daily rates paid to some others.
"Professor Black and I would be very grateful for your advice on this matter."
Lord Trefgarne chairman of the Libyan British Business Council (LBBC), insisted the money he actually received "barely covered expenses".
He added that the arrangement was "entirely proper" and reflected the circumstances of the time.