(1) Whosoever allows a state secret which has been kept secret by an official agency or at its behest to come to the attention of an unauthorised person or become known to the public, and thereby negligently causes the danger of serious prejudice to the external security of the Federal Republic of Germany, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine.

(2) Whosoever by gross negligence allows a state secret which has been kept secret by an official agency or at its behest and which was accessible to him by reason of his public office, government position or assignment given by an official authority, to come to the attention of an unauthorised person, and thereby negligently causes the danger of serious prejudice to the external security of the Federal Republic of Germany, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine.

(3) The offence may only be prosecuted upon the authorisation of the Federal Government.