Germany has in a leaked diplomatic note attacked what it sees as the UK’s attempt to dominate the EU’s emerging External Action Service.

The confidential foreign ministry document, obtained by the Guardian, the British daily, says that the UK has an “excessive” and “over-proportionate” role in the bloc’s new foreign policy structures.

“Excessive GB participation is evident,” the note says. “Over-proportionate GB influence on the establishment and staffing is to be avoided.”

The External Action Service (EAS) is to be headed by the EU’s new foreign policy chief, British official Catherine Ashton, in a deal struck by member states last November.

Ms Ashton is currently drafting a proposal on the shape of the diplomatic corps with the help of a high-level steering group. The paper is due in April with no decisions made yet on top appointments. But the steering group itself has three British officials on its 13-strong team, compared to just one German.

Ms Ashton’s private office, or “cabinet” in Brussels terms, is led by a former UK diplomat, James Morrison.

Meanwhile, another series of Brits is waiting in the wings to take over key elements of the EAS architecture: the EU commission’s existing head of foreign delegations, Patrick Child; the chief of the EU Council’s military committee, David Leakey; and the head of its intelligence-sharing bureau, William Shapcott.