The Times Higher has received a white envelope, postmarked Oxford and addressed in spidery handwriting. Inside was a brief anonymous note on the "mood of desperation" that "seems to be setting in among opponents of governance reform at Oxford University". Reporters always like to receive brown envelopes, but usually they come from people blowing the whistle on management. This white (more specifically, cream) envelope sought to undermine the rebel case. Who on earth could it be from?