In fact, the letter is a reflection of the applicant's personality. The judge begins to have an opinion about the applicant, who stated his own arguments, perceiving the appeal and his thoughts. It becomes very responsible in situations if the outcome depends on intellectual persuasion. Getting a useful sample from a lawyer is very expensive. The reason is labor, which is not possible without skill.
A memorandum is a kind of written diplomatic act, which is an official document used in correspondence between foreign bodies of external relations, governments of different countries, as well as between bodies within one state. The memorandum, unlike other documents of this type (memoirs, notes, etc.), contains the most complete amount of information on a particular issue discussed in it, including an analysis of relevant factual data, a reasonable position of the addressing state and a reasoned conclusion . In addition, the memorandum may include a reverse polemic with arguments from the other side.
Types of diplomatic documents
A diplomatic act is a written text that is handed over or sent by the foreign relations authorities of one state to the foreign relations authorities of another state. The most common diplomatic acts are notes, memorandums, and communiqués. diplomatic letter.
Note - the official appeal of one state to the government of another; document, the content of which should be the subject of serious and prompt consideration. A note is a diplomatic act by which a right or claim can be declared, a protest against the wrong acts of another government. Notes, like other formal diplomatic documents, may not contain direct consent or protests, but be of an informational nature. But even in this case, they have a certain legal significance: the fact stated in the note in a certain formulation expresses the official point of view of this government.
The note should be short in content, without unnecessary phrases, carefully edited.
Notes are divided into verbal and personal (personal).
A note verbale is drawn up on behalf of one representation to another. A verbal note is written impersonally, i.e. in the third person, on the letterhead, contains an appeal, an introductory compliment ( The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays its respects to the Italian Embassy and has the honor to inform…), final compliment ( Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russian Federation avails himself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the French Republic in the Russian Federation the assurances of his highest consideration), is not signed (there can only be the initials of the head of the embassy), but is sealed and has a number, the addressee and the city of his location are indicated at the bottom of the note.
A note verbale is a diplomatic note equated to an oral statement (previously, a note verbale was a document not intended for publication, i.e. a statement made orally and then written down).
Personal note - a document drawn up in the first person on a letterhead with the state emblem and a signature under the emblem ("Ministry of Foreign Affairs" or "Embassy"). A personal note contains an appeal, the document can be printed, but the appeal and the final compliment must be written by hand (otherwise it will be disrespectful to the addressee). Usually, with a personal note, the ambassador notifies other ambassadors of the presentation of his credentials or notifies him of his arrival in the capital of the host country. The appeals used in personal notes are strictly regulated:
- to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr. Minister or Your Representation;
- to the ambassador: Mr. Ambassador or Your Representation;
- to persons of clergy: to the Pope - Your Holiness, to the cardinal Your Eminence, to the archbishop My lord or Your Mightiness, to the bishop My lord or Your Grace;
- in England, when addressing a statesman, it is obligatory to mention a title of nobility ( baronet, lord etc.).
A personal note begins with an official address, then a compliment follows (if something official is reported, then the note begins with the words: I have the honor to inform you that…), a final compliment ( I ask you to,< title or title > to accept the assurances of my deepest respect for you...).
memorandum (English) memorandum from lat. memorandum‘something to remember’) is a diplomatic document given to a representative of another country, outlining the views of the government on some issue.
A memorandum is most often an appendix to a note. The memorandum sets out in detail the factual side of a particular issue, provides an analysis of any provisions or contains objections to the arguments of the other side. The memorandum-application is not written on a letterhead, the document is not numbered, usually (but not in all countries) it indicates the place and date of departure. If the memorandum is sent separately (the so-called express memorandum) or by courier, then it is drawn up on a form, indicating the place and date of departure, but always without a signature and seal.
Communiqué (fr. communicate from lat. communico‘I inform’) - an official message supreme bodies state authorities, bodies of foreign relations, representatives of various states or international organizations about events of an international character: the situation in any area of interstate relations, the course or results of negotiations, ongoing hostilities, etc. In addition to purely informational tasks, the communiqué often carries a more significant semantic load: if it highlights the position of the publisher on political and legal problems, evaluates them, makes public the obligations and goals of the stakeholders, their intentions, warnings. In some cases, communiqués may include materials containing documented results of interstate contacts that have taken place.
Diplomatic letter. In diplomatic practice, diplomatic letters are sometimes used, which are basically one of the forms of a personal note. Official letters and notes are drawn up, as a rule, in the language of the sender or in one of the diplomatic languages. Letters are written on official letterhead (ambassador or foreign minister). The date and signature in the diplomatic letter are obligatory.
The purpose of a private letter of a semi-official nature is to establish personal contacts for various purposes: establishing business ties, obtaining political information, etc. In England, for example, such letters after an invitation to a private reception confirm the intention to continue communication, and the absence of a letter indicates an unwillingness to maintain a relationship. But there are persons to whom you cannot but send a reply letter (for example, the queen).
Any diplomatic document has its own drafting protocol. which in writing expresses respect for the addressee. As a rule, a diplomatic document begins with an accepted social compliment and ends with it.
Speech etiquette plays an important role in business correspondence. Well-written letters create a favorable impression about the sender.
The basis of the rules of business etiquette is a polite and respectful attitude towards a business partner, compliance with
a certain distance between employees occupying different official positions, the ability to speak No. without offending a partner, tolerance for other people's opinions, the ability to be self-critical.
Writers of business letters should not encourage the addressee to rush or impose an expected outcome by using sentences like: Please resolve the issue positively. .
In the business and diplomatic sphere, it is mandatory to have a business card. In diplomatic practice, a business card is used not only to represent its owner. With the help of short symbols that are written in the lower left corner, you can express:
Treaty and memorandum in international law
The true intentions of states are contained in their treaties,
Wilhelm Schwebel
Understanding the difference between a treaty and a memorandum is a rather difficult issue even for experienced diplomats, not to mention ordinary legally unsavvy citizens who find it difficult to understand the intricacies of international law. However, in light of recent events. related to the controversial situation around the Budapest Memorandum and violations of its terms. this issue has caused a huge amount of controversy, both in the national and Western media.
Much has been said about the fact that the Ukrainian government repeatedly refers to the Budapest Memorandum as if it were a real military treaty, although, according to many experts, it is not. In fact, we have the unfortunate fact of a misreading of this memorandum, which can rather be called not an official agreement, but a diplomatic document, by signing which the parties made promises to each other as part of the denuclearization of the former Soviet republics after the collapse of the USSR. Consequently, no one was going to defend Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO and does not have, for example, with the United States, any kind of legal military alliance or defense pact, and even more so, was not obliged, since the obligations of the guarantor countries, as before, do not come out beyond the framework provided by the UN Charter, a number of UN resolutions and the Final Act of the CSCE.
Then what is the difference between these concepts? So, if we talk about "documents" between states, then they can be described as "instruments", some of which are intended to create rights and obligations under international law, and others to express intentions and decisions that are political in nature, but are not binding. . The first type of document in accordance with the terms of the Vienna Convention on Law international treaties 1969 is indeed called a "treaty" and means an international agreement concluded between states in writing and governed by international law, regardless of whether this agreement is set out in one or more related documents.
The only way a document can be labeled as a treaty is by looking at certain words that clearly indicate the rights and obligations of the parties under international law, such as "force" or "agree." At the same time, the use of other words, such as "decide" instead of "agree", may give the impression that the two states are trying to avoid legally binding language and instead use alternative terms. Therefore, the main thing in the document is the terminology, because even its name does not matter: the “charter” or “charter” may well be non-binding documents, while the “term of office” may be a treaty.
If we talk about memorandums, we can see that it also confirms the fact that the title of the document is not related to its legal status. In the past, and even today, the preparation of treaties as documents labeled "Memorandum of Understanding" was a common practice, especially among Commonwealth member states. However, in the wake of the disputes between the UK and the US over the legal status of a Memorandum of Understanding, there has been a growing trend to use the name "memorandum" for non-binding (non-contractual) documents, resulting in the legal status of "memorandums" becoming completely unclear and confusing. . Therefore, it is very difficult to assess the role and advantages of the Budapest Memorandum today, because its signing in fact turned out to be a statement of the diplomatic policy of that time, and as a result, in the new geopolitical realities, it did not become a factor in protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
It should also be understood that some treaties are concluded in a simplified form, while others, intended to deal with more significant or controversial topics, are concluded in a solemn form. Therefore, in practice, a document called a "Memorandum of Understanding" is usually a contract in a simplified form, unless, of course, it was supposed to be a contract and not a non-binding document.
act diplomatic
ACT DIPLOMATIC, a written text that is handed over or sent by the external relations authorities of one state to the external relations authorities of another state. The most common diplomatic acts are a note, a memorandum, an official letter, an aide-mémoire.
Note - a diplomatic act by which a right or claim can be declared, a protest against the wrong acts of another government, and an agreement is concluded in the order of an exchange of notes (in the latter case, the agreement is stated in the note of one party, and the second party repeats it in its response note ). Notes, like other formal diplomatic documents, may not contain a direct agreement or protests, but be of an informational nature. But even in this case, they have a certain legal significance: the fact stated in the note in a certain formulation expresses the official point of view of this government.
A note, as a rule, is a sole diplomatic act, but in the latest practice there are also collective notes. i.e., written statements addressed jointly by representatives of several states to a particular government in any one case. A collective note is usually solemn in nature and implies close relations between the states that signed it. So-called identical (or parallel) notes are widespread in practice, including in the practice of the USSR, when several representative offices address notes that are completely identical in content to the government of a given country. In some cases, one government sends identical notes to 3-4 of its counterparties. For example, the USSR made representations in this form on the question of the threat to peace, which is observed in the activities of certain imperialist states. Usually, the text of one note is given in the press, indicating that identical notes have been sent to the governments of other states.
Single (or individual) notes are divided into personal (personal) and verbal notes. A personal note is written in the first person, on the letterhead of the person signing it, and is drawn up in a certain form (there is an appeal, a personal signature, etc.). It is sent without a number and in the original. A verbal note is written impersonally, that is, in the third person, on a letterhead, contains an appeal accompanied by a compliment ("The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows its respect to the Embassy of Luxembourg and has the honor to inform."), is not signed, but is sealed and has a number.
A memorandum is most often an appendix to a note. It details the factual side of a particular issue, provides an analysis of any provisions or contains objections to the arguments of the other side, the memorandum-supplement is not written on a form, without a number, usually (but not in all countries) it indicates the place and date departures. If the memorandum is sent separately (the so-called express memorandum) or by courier, it is drawn up on a form, indicating the place and date of departure, but always without a signature and seal.
One type of diplomatic act is an aide-memoire - something like a brief memorandum in addition to an oral statement. It is drawn up in an impersonal form, without circulation, numbers and addresses, only indicating the place and date of departure.
As a rule, it is passed from hand to hand during a conversation. An express memorandum by courier is sent separately and serves as a reminder of one or another issue already notified or set out in the memorandum. In form, an express memorandum almost does not differ from a verbal note: it is written in the third person on a letterhead, with a number, date and date, contains an appeal and a compliment, but in content it is only a reminder of some fact.
In diplomatic practice, so-called official letters are sometimes used. which basically represent a form of personal note. Official letters and notes are drawn up, as a rule, in the language of the sender or in one of the diplomatic languages.
Diplomatic correspondence is an example of the correct style of writing a written message, which should be followed in any other type of activity, including business.
In the flow of modern information, diplomatic documents, that is, those that relate to the foreign policy of states, occupy a special place.
These include: speeches by statesmen, messages, notes, memorandums, letters, telegrams of heads of state, governments outlining in them the position of states on topical issues modernity. The content of diplomatic documents reflects the diversity of life itself. In form, these can be messages recognizing the independence of states and a proposal to establish diplomatic relations, and statements affecting the fate of all peoples, such as proposals for nuclear disarmament and preventing the militarization of outer space, and warning, protesting against the actions of certain states in the international arena that pose a threat to the peace and independence of other states. The diplomatic correspondence of recent years reflects global problems that are of particular importance: the preservation of the natural environment, overcoming the backwardness of the countries of the so-called "third world", the fight against diseases, the search for new energy sources, etc.
The preparation of diplomatic documents is one of the most important areas of work of foreign affairs departments. As a rule, control over compliance with the established practice of correspondence is entrusted to the protocol service.
In diplomatic practice, the most traditional types of diplomatic correspondence are:
1) personal notes;
2) verbal notes;
3) memos;
4) memoranda;
5) private letters of a semi-official nature.
Some of these documents are framed by so-called politeness formulas, compliments.
Protocol courtesy formulas are used in personal and verbal notes, memos sent with couriers (a form of document that is used quite rarely).
A personal note is sent on matters of important and fundamental importance or contains information about any major event. The note is drawn up in the first person on behalf of the person signing the note and begins with an appeal. The most common form is: "Dear Mr. Minister", "Dear Mr. Ambassador". This appeal is intended to favorably set the recipient in relation to the content of the text. Accurate knowledge of his regalia, scientific titles, etc. will help you choose the right style of addressing the addressee. In particular, there are countries (in Asia and Africa, for example) where high-ranking and powerful people have a variety of titles, the competent mention of which can immediately place the reader. For Muslims, for example, it is customary to add the prefix "H" in the name of the person who performed the Hajj.
Next comes the semantic part of the document. The note ends with a compliment (formula of courtesy), in which the author "testifies his respect."
The tone of personal notes can be more or less warm. If the note begins with the words: “Mr. Minister”, “Mr. Ambassador” and ends with “With respect” (without “sincere” or “deep”), then the intention of the author is obvious to give the note a restrained character.
The author of the letter may begin a personal note with the words "Dear Mr. Minister" and end with "With sincere regards." The intention here is to give the note a warm, friendly character. Other types of compliments:
Minister of Foreign Affairs or Ambassador
I ask you, Mr. Minister, Mr. Ambassador, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
Envoy, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim
I beg you, Mr. Minister, Mr. Chargé d'Affaires, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
Sample personal note:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Russian Federation
Moscow, ___ January ___ 20
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Please accept my sincere thanks for your friendly congratulations on the successful launch spaceship with an international crew on board.
I fully share your opinion that this victory will serve the cause of the progress of all mankind, the strengthening of friendship between our peoples.
With deep respect
(personal signature)
Mr.
Republic
Sample personal note on presentation of credentials:
Embassy
Russian Federation
___ March 20
Dear sir Ambassador,
I have the honor to inform you that on March 20, I presented his credentials to His Excellency Mr. President, with which President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin accredits me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to ______
Expressing my satisfaction that I have been called in this way to maintain official and personal relations with you that will be consistent with the friendly relations that exist between our countries, I ask you, Mr. Ambassador, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration*.
Mr. __________,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
(personal signature)
* This template may be edited depending on the state of relations with the country of the ambassador to whom the note is sent.
The nature of the compliment must take into account the principle of reciprocity, especially in the case of sending a note in return.
The form of address also depends on the specific case and local practice. The letter may include:
Minister - Mr. Minister, Your Excellency;
Ambassador - Mr. Ambassador, Your Excellency;
to the envoy - Mr. Messenger or Mr. Minister; Chargé d'Affaires ad interim - Mr. Chargé d'Affaires (the adjective "temporary" is usually not written in circulation).
If the chargé d'affaires is an adviser in the rank of envoy, then the address to him should be as follows: "Mr. Minister."
Depending on local practice, in order of reciprocity, the word "master" can be written in full.
The seal, as well as the name and position of the signatory, are not affixed to the note.
The address is written in the lower left corner of the first page of the note, regardless of the number of sheets. The address indicates the rank of the person to whom the note is sent:
Mr. A.D. Lusaka,
To the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia
Moscow
In some cases, depending on local practice and on the basis of mutual respect, the title is used before the name of the person to whom the personal note is sent:
His Excellency
Mr. D.P. dharu,
To the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India
Moscow
or
E.P. Mr D.P. dharu,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Republic of India
Moscow
The same text is printed on the envelope, which is affixed to the personal note.
Diplomatic practice is constantly evolving, moving away from established forms.
During the Second World War, when the situation dictated the adoption of urgent and responsible decisions by the heads of state of the anti-Hitler coalition, the practice of exchanging personal letters and messages between them developed.
The practice of exchanging personal messages between heads of state, government, and foreign ministers on the most important issues of world politics, which has been established since then, puts such documents in a special row that goes beyond the previously established traditional forms of diplomatic correspondence.
This type of diplomatic correspondence has become widespread in recent years. It is often referred to as a personal message from the head of state or government. From a formal point of view, such a message can be categorized as "personal notes." However, due to the high position of the sender and recipient, as well as the great importance of such documents, it is customary to single them out as an independent type of diplomatic correspondence. In these messages, as well as in personal notes, there are protocol formulas - an appeal and a final compliment. For example, the formula of address in the Address to the Heads of State or Government: "Dear Mr. President." The final compliment of the message can be: "Respectfully" or "Sincerely."
In messages that begin with the full title of the addressee, for example, "His Excellency Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic", the text should also be preceded by an address.
In this case, it can be: "Dear Mr. President", otherwise: "Your Excellency."
At present, the exchange of messages between heads of state is becoming less and less common in practice. They have been replaced new form opinions: television talks. Modern level development of interstate negotiations provides a unique opportunity to quickly and reliably exchange views, regardless of distance.
The note verbale is the most widely used document today. Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Embassies conduct diplomatic correspondence mainly by sending notes verbale. Verbal notes are used to consider and resolve a wide range of issues. They set out political, economic, scientific, technical and other problems of both bilateral and multilateral nature. The notes also request visas, report on road accidents involving embassy employees, provide embassies with information of a representative nature (on organizing trips of the diplomatic corps around the country, on inviting diplomats to events on the occasion of the national holiday of the country, on excursions to industrial enterprises and scientific institutions), etc.
Verbal notes begin and end with a compliment. The note begins with the full name of the sender and recipient: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation shows its respect to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria and has the honor to announce ... "
The final compliment contains the abbreviated title: "The Ministry takes this opportunity to renew to the Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration."
Sometimes the words "takes advantage" of the compliment are omitted, for example, when a note reports a road accident involving a diplomat, as a result of which there are human casualties. It is obvious that the words "taking this opportunity" are inappropriate in this context, and the compliment can take the following form: "The Ministry renews to the Embassy the assurances of its very high consideration."
If the note verbale of the Ministry is a response to the note of the embassy, then in this case the note will begin as follows: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation shows its respect to the Embassy of France and in connection with the note of the Embassy No. ___ dated (day, month, year) has the honor to announce the following ... ”A compliment in notes can be omitted, but this is done only if the note contains a protest in connection with the actions of representatives of the embassy or the state (an attempt to engage in illegal activities, a gross violation of the norms of behavior). It is clear that in such a case the compliment would have weakened the protest and, consequently, would have distorted the nature of the note.
A compliment is not used in verbal notes containing a message about the declaration of mourning in the country, or in notes expressing condolences, and also on the basis of the principle of reciprocity in cases where the department of foreign affairs of a country does not use compliments in its diplomatic correspondence.
The range of protocol politeness formulas is very wide. This allows you to soften a more severe tone or give it more warmth. However, one should always remember: nothing is valued so dearly and is not so cheap as politeness. Harsh expressions, rhetorical turns of speech, vague hints, exclamation points, abbreviations in the form of “etc. etc." in musical correspondence are not allowed. When working on the text of a note containing, for example, a protest, it is worth remembering that it may not be accepted, and this, in turn, can lead to a conflict situation with far-reaching consequences.
The text of verbal notes is written in the third person.
Both personal and verbal notes are printed on top quality stamped paper. Under the coat of arms there is an inscription "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation" or "Embassy of the Russian Federation in (country name)".
As in a personal note, the address is affixed in the lower left corner on the first sheet of the note verbale:
Embassy
Republic of Hungary
Moscow
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of the Congo
Brazzaville
The same text is printed on the envelope.
Sample note verbale:
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
No. 3/1 DGP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation shows its respect to the Embassy ___ and in response to its note No. 0108 dated ___ February 20 ___ has the honor to announce that the Russian competent authorities have no objection to the appointment of Major General of Aviation ___ as military and air attache at the embassy ___ In Russian federation.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to renew to the Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration.
Moscow, ___ February 20 ___
Embassy of Moscow
In international practice, verbal notes signed or endorsed by the head of a diplomatic mission are becoming less and less common. There is practically no difference between notes verbale with a signature (visa) and those that have only the seal of the embassy.
A note verbale has an outgoing number, cipher and date of departure, for example No. 14/1 DE or 27 / DGP. No additional indexes are set. If necessary, this is done on a copy remaining in the file. The note is affixed with a mastic official seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy. The seal is affixed at the end of the text of the note, where the date of departure is printed. It is necessary to ensure that the coat of arms depicted on the seal has the correct position.
SAMPLES OF VERBAL NOTES*
* Note design features:
1) printing in the left corner;
2) place and date of departure at the top;
3) the note is endorsed;
4) the abbreviation of the address "Protocol" is incorrect (see translation below).
REPUBLICUE FRANCAISE AMBASSADE DE FRANCE EN RUSSIE
No. 293/MID
L'Ambassade de France presente ses compliments au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres de la Federation de Russie et a l'honneur de l'informer de ce qui suit.
Monsieur Jacques BAUMEL, Ancien Minister, Vice-President de la Commission de la Dé Fense Nationale et des Forces Arm th es de l'Assemblee Nationale, President de la Commission de D th fense de l'UEO, Vice-President de l'Assemblee Parlementaire du Conseil de l'Europe, arrivera a Moscou en provenance de Bakou le 13 Novembre 1995 a 21 h par le vol 216 de la Compagnie Transaero a l'aeroport de Cheremetievo 1.
L'Ambassade de France serait reconnaissante au Minist and re des Affaires Etrang and res de la Federation de Russie de bien vouloir intervenir aupres des autorites de l'aeroport de Cheremetievo 1 pour que le salon d'honneur soit ouvert a l'arrivee de M. BAUMEL, et saisit cette occasion pour lui renouveler les assurances de sa haute consideration.
MINISTERE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES DE LA FEDERATION DE RUSSIE
– Protocole
Monsieur Jacques BAUMEL, Ancien Ministre, Vice-President de la Commission de la Defense Nationale et des Forces Armees de l'Assemblee Nationale, President de la Commission de Defense de l'UEO, Vice-President de l'Assemblee Parlementaire du Conseil de l 'Europe, arrivera a Moscou en provenance de Bakou le 13 novembre 1995 a 21 hparle vol 216delaCompagnie Transaero a l'aeroport de Cheremetievo 1.
L'Ambassade de France serait reconnaissante au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres de la Federation de Russie de bien vouloir intervenir aupres des autorites de I'aeroport de Cheremetievo 1 pour que le salon d'honneur spit ouvert a l'arrivee de M. BAUMEL, et saisit cette occasion pour lui renpuveler les assurances de sa haute consideration.
MINISTERE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES DE LA FEDERATION DE RUSSIE
– Protocole
– Premier Department Europeen
EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN RUSSIA
No. 293 /MID
The Embassy of France pays its respects to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and has the honor to inform Him of the following.
Former Minister, Deputy Chairman of the Defense and Armed Forces Committee of the National Assembly, Chairman of the WEU Defense Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Mr. Jacques BOMEL will arrive in Moscow from Baku on November 13 at 21.00 on Transaero Flight 216 to Sheremetyevo-1 Airport.
The Embassy of France would be grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation not to refuse the courtesy of assisting the authorities of Sheremetyevo-1 Airport to open a VIP lounge for Mr. BOMEL upon His arrival, and takes this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration to Him.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Moscow
AMBASSADE DE LA REPUBLICQUE DU SENEGAL
EN FEDERATION DE RUSSIE
12, Rue Donskaya
No. 0552 /ASM/95 MOSCOU,
le 04 dec. 1995
L'Ambassade de la Republique du Senegal presente ses compliments au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres de la Federation de Russie et a l'honneur de porter a sa haute connaissance que Madame Absa Claude DIALLO, L'Ambassade de la Republique du Senegal presente ses compliments au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres de la Federation de Russie et a l'honneur de porter a sa haute connaissance que Madame Absa Claude DIALLO, ambassadeur Extraordinaire et Plenipotentiaire du Senegal, se propose de quitter definitivement Moscou, le Mercredi 6 December 1995, par Vol AF 1849 a 16.15, a l'issue des operations de fermeture de l'Ambassade du Senegal.
En exprimant au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres de la Federation de Russie, sa tres vive appreciation pour sa constante sollicitude et l'excellence des Relations entretenues, l'Ambassade de la Republique du Senegal saisit sette occasion pour lui renouveler les assurances de sa tres haute consideration .
MINISTERE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES
DE LA FEDERATION DE RUSSIE
Moscow*
* 1) Place and date of departure at the top;
2) printing at the cut of the sheet to the right;
3) the note is sighted (see further translation).
Embassy
REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL
0552
The Embassy of the Republic of Senegal pays its respects to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and has the honor to announce to its high knowledge that Mrs. Absa Claude Diallo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Senegal, intends to leave Moscow for good on Wednesday, December 6, 1995, on flight AF 1849 at 4.15 pm after she completed the procedure for closing the Embassy of Senegal in Moscow.
Expressing its deep gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for the continued support and excellent relations that exist between the two countries, the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal takes this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration to the Ministry.
Moscow, December 4, 1995
TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Moscow
In the diplomacy of the 50s, the practice of exchanging notes directly between governments appeared. This testifies not only to the expansion of the scope of traditional forms of diplomatic correspondence, but also to the increased role of foreign policy, raising the level of responsibility of diplomacy in solving the cardinal issues of our time. At present, this practice is rarely used.
As a rule, there are no compliments in the notes on behalf of the government. Usually in this case, the note begins as follows: "The Government of the Russian Federation has the honor to declare to the Government of (name of the country) the following."
There is no final compliment in the note. All notes are official documents, regardless of the nature of the matter set forth in them. Any note is considered as coming from the government. Notes require proper attention and require a response from the side of the one to whom they are directed.
In diplomatic practice, cases of sending a collective note by representatives of several states are becoming less and less common. States build their relations on a bilateral basis as equal, sovereign members of the world community. A collective note, either from the entire diplomatic corps or from a group of embassies, can be seen as a demarche, an attempt to exert pressure, which cannot but cause a backlash.
Of particular interest is the interaction of ambassadors of the countries of the European Community in Moscow in relation to the authorities of the host country. The rotation of the Community presidency in Brussels automatically leads to the fact that the ambassador of the presiding country becomes the head of the ambassadors of the EU countries in Moscow, representing the interests of the Community and speaking on its behalf. Such speeches and documents (notes, letters) under certain conditions can be considered as collective demarches.
To avoid the accusation of a collective demarche, the form of sending identical notes is used. This is resorted to, if necessary, to state to any state a point of view agreed between several countries or to report on the adoption of appropriate measures.
There are documents in diplomatic correspondence that do not require complimentary registration. These include memos, memorandums.
There are two types of memos: memos handed over in person and memos sent by courier. An aide-mémoire is usually handed in person in order to enhance the meaning or emphasize the importance of an oral statement or request made during the conversation, to facilitate the further progress of the case, to prevent the possibility of misinterpretation or understanding of the conversation or oral statement. The text of the memorandum is compiled in an impersonal form using the expressions: “a request is made”, “it is necessary to state”, “it is reported”.
Commemorative notes are printed on plain paper without a coat of arms. Address and outgoing number are not set; only the place and date of departure are affixed: “Mr. Moscow, ___ July 20___. Above the text of the note is printed the inscription: "Memorial note".
Commemorative notes sent by couriers are now quite rare. In form, they almost do not differ from a verbal note: they are drawn up in the third person, contain an appeal and a compliment, are printed on a note sheet, have a number, place of sending and date. Unlike a verbal note, such notes are not stamped and do not indicate the address. On top there is an inscription: "Memorial note". Memoirs are sent either at the request of the person with whom the conversation took place, or as a reminder of a particular issue.
A memorandum is a document that examines the factual side of a particular issue, contains an analysis of its individual aspects, sets out arguments in defense of one's position, contains a polemic with the arguments of the other side. The memorandum can be either an attachment to a personal or verbal note, or an independent document transmitted personally or sent by courier. Attaching a memorandum to a note makes it possible to shorten the text of the note itself and, at the same time, gives certain advantages in the nature of the presentation of the issue that is the subject of correspondence.
The memorandum as an appendix to a personal note is printed on music paper without a coat of arms; number, stamp, place (city) and date of departure are not set. A memorandum handed in person is printed on a note sheet, and has no appeal or compliment. The stamp and number are not put on it, however, the place and date of departure are indicated.
A private letter of a semi-official nature is sent to familiar officials in cases where any assistance is required in resolving issues that are the subject of official correspondence or negotiations in order to emphasize the author's interest in this case or to expedite the resolution of any issue by using the influence of the person to whom it is sent. letter.
Private letters are written on plain paper (half a sheet), sometimes on a letterhead with the name and surname or official title of the sender printed in the upper left corner. The reverse side of the sheet is not used. The appeal in such a letter is as follows: “Dear Mr. N”:
The final compliment is required. The number is not indicated on the letter, the date and personal signature are required. The address is written only on the envelope.
Sample private letter:
Moscow, February ___, 20___
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Returning to our pleasant conversation yesterday, I would like to thank you once again for your kind invitation to the concert of the soloists of your country's opera house.
My wife and I greatly enjoyed the music of the famous classics, and the performance skills of the artists were beyond praise.
The evening spent in your house will remain in our memory for a long time.
Please accept, Mr. Ambassador, the assurances of my deep respect for you.
(signature)
§ 10. When leaders speak and write
In addition to the types of diplomatic documents listed above, which are considered traditional and generally accepted, there are others that are used by many states. Unlike those discussed above, such documents do not have a strict form. This significantly expands their opportunities in terms of the nature of the formulation and coverage of problems.
Diplomatic documents of this group should include declarations, messages, statements of heads of states, governments, ministers of foreign affairs, legislative bodies of states on issues international relations.
With the development of telegraph and radio communications, such a type of diplomatic documents as telegrams became widespread. As a rule, telegrams require a response. The content of the telegrams often has important political implications.
The reasons for sending telegrams can be different: national holidays, anniversaries, anniversaries of important events, etc. Not a day goes by that the leading newspapers do not publish such documents on the front pages. Sending, for example, a telegram in connection with the assumption of the post of a new head of state is not only a sign of courtesy, accepted in international protocol practice. It is also an indicator of the level and nature of relations between states, an occasion to demonstrate the desire to continue to develop cooperation and expand ties.
Thus, in connection with the assumption of George W. Bush as President of the United States of America, President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin sent him a congratulatory telegram.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Washington
Dear Mr. President,
I congratulate you on your official assumption of the office of the President of the United States of America and sincerely wish you success in your new high position.
I fully share your desire to "strengthen Russian-American friendship in the coming years."
I would like to express some preliminary considerations as to how we imagine the ways of developing the Russian-American dialogue. For us, the United States is the most important foreign policy partner, and we, for our part, are ready to continue to work towards strengthening new cooperation relations between our countries and peoples, and to jointly search for answers to the serious challenges that the 21st century throws at us and the international community as a whole. I agree with you that Russian-American relations should be approached pragmatically, cooperate on an equal footing on a broad eagle of coinciding interests, and find rational solutions to existing disagreements on a mutually acceptable basis.
I think that a good foundation has been created for such an approach in our relations, useful experience has been accumulated through many trials and even mistakes. Therefore, building on it a positive continuity and at the same time taking into account new realities, we can move forward in expanding the improvement of our cooperation and interaction. The main thing is; as you rightly emphasize, is; that we threaten each other more and do not see each other as adversaries. Of particular importance now, of course, is the beginning of our direct dialogue, in which we, as I understand it, adhere to a common approach. I know that you value frank personal communication. In this regard, in the coming months, without waiting for some big international forum, I would suggest considering the possibility of our meeting with you, say, in a third country: Such a meeting would not be formalized, it would not it would take a long time to prepare through bureaucratic channels, and there we could, without excessive detail, exchange views on the international economic and political situation, the priorities of our interaction. Of course, you and I will not solve all the problems right off the bat, but we will undoubtedly give our representatives an impetus for a productive dialogue.
This, in particular, also applies to the complex of START/ABM problems. Here, as we understand, there is both a coincidence of approaches regarding further reductions in nuclear weapons, as well as fundamental disagreements regarding missile defense. It is necessary to find ways and return to the joint search for means of ensuring our national security and maintaining strategic stability.
I am ready to talk in principle about our vision of the most acute regional problems. Last years The 20th century once again clearly demonstrated that success in a peaceful settlement can only come when Russia and the United States act jointly or on parallel courses. This concerns our common interest in continuing the negotiation process in the Middle East, in resolving the situation in the Balkans and the Korean Peninsula, in countering the international terrorist threat, and in resolving many other problems.
An important task is to make fuller use of the potentials of the two countries in the matter of intensifying Russian-American business ties against the backdrop of a difficult international economic situation, and making the relevant bilateral mechanisms more effective.
If such an action plan, based on the situation that is developing in the United States after the presidential election, suits you, then it would be desirable to hold a meeting of our foreign ministers to launch it. Relevant instructions I.S. I have already given Ivanov and I hope that C. Powell will also receive a similar assignment.
In conclusion, I would like to once again express the hope that relations of equal, mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the United States will receive concrete development for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries and the entire international community.
Sincerely,
V. PUTIN
Speaking of diplomatic correspondence, it is impossible not to name the documents emanating from the highest legislative bodies: appeals to the parliaments of various states on issues of disarmament, prevention nuclear war, joint communiques of parliaments on the results of visits and negotiations of parliamentarians.
The category of important diplomatic documents should include the answers of leading figures of states to appeals or questions of representatives public organizations or individuals; answers to questions from newspaper correspondents on the most pressing problems of the international situation; speeches of state representatives at international forums, public meetings dedicated to significant dates in relations with foreign states; speeches by heads of state, government, foreign ministers at diplomatic receptions in honor of foreign guests. Such documents are usually published in the press. They are filled with great political content, affect not only bilateral relations, but also global problems, thanks to which they receive a great international response.
International practice knows documents of a diplomatic nature, which are adopted on a regional and global basis. Among them are the UN documents.
During its existence, the UN has adopted a significant number of various documents that have had a significant impact on international processes and the formation international climate. As examples, two of them can be cited: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 1948), which proclaimed that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity”, and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (December 1960). ), which stated that "all peoples have the right to self-determination", that "they freely determine their political status and carry out their economic, social and cultural development".
Although, in accordance with the UN Charter, the documents adopted by the General Assembly are in the nature of recommendations, they nevertheless have great moral and political weight and influence the formation of the position of the world community on a particular issue. Thus, the 1960 Declaration contributed to the completion of the collapse of the colonial system.
As one foreign journalist wittily put it, "A UN resolution is not a restaurant menu that can be easily discarded."
In any diplomatic document, both content and form are important. In this regard, noteworthy is the technique of compiling such documents, the ability to realize the possibilities that are embedded in documents of various types.
Drawing up a diplomatic document requires taking into account many factors. Ultimately, the diplomatic service decides what to leave in this or that document, what to omit, which arguments to give preference to, and so on. However, it is necessary to take into account possible counter-arguments of partners. Therefore, the preparation of such documents requires great professional knowledge and diplomatic experience.
The diplomatic service of Russia actively uses the entire arsenal of forms of diplomatic correspondence. Having accumulated extensive experience in drafting diplomatic documents, openly addressing governments and peoples, Russian diplomacy influences the outside world, mobilizes all progressive forces in defense of peace and trust among peoples.
Diplomatic correspondence, like diplomacy in general, has come a long way in development. Being one of the forms of diplomatic activity of the state, diplomatic documents reflect the features inherent in the socio-economic system of the country, language, culture. However, with all the differences, the common thing for diplomatic documents of different eras was that special requirements have always been and continue to be presented to them to this day. And the point is not only that in the past diplomatic documents came only from the monarch or were signed by an authorized person on his behalf and were addressed to another, the head of state. Whether the document was written in cuneiform on clay tablets, like the treaty of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II with the Hittite king Hattushil III (1296 BC), or on papyrus, silk, paper, it had a special meaning (“written with a pen - you can’t cut it out ax"). Sovereign heads of state took upon themselves the obligation to observe the "letter and spirit" of the document. Deviations from accepted obligations (oral or written) entailed a loss of prestige and trust, which, of course, does not pass without a trace for the state.
Since all documents of diplomatic correspondence are official, it is of great importance right choice type of document: it must correspond to this specific case.
In this case, one should proceed mainly from the content of the document, have a good knowledge of the technique of diplomatic correspondence and take into account the traditions of the host country when it comes to notes of a diplomatic mission. It is customary to respond to a verbal note with a verbal note, and to a personal letter with a personal letter. It is considered impolite to respond to a personal letter with a verbal note, just as it is considered impolite to respond to a letter with a personal signature with a letter with a surname typed on a typewriter.
A diplomatic document requires a response. The absence of a response will be perceived as a response of a certain negative nature: This form of response should be resorted to in exceptional cases. Any document begins with a call. The exact title and surname of the person to whom this document is addressed are sometimes no less important than its content. Any distortions in the past and now are not allowed.
During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich in Russia (1645-1676)*, the embassy order (then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) was led by an outstanding Russian diplomat, Duma boyar Ordin-Nashchokin. In an official letter drawn up in an embassy order addressed to the tsar, the word "sovereign" was omitted; In this regard, the tsar sent a letter to Ordin-Nashchokin with the following content:
“April on the 19th day, he wrote to us, but in your unsubscribe in the first column it is written where it was necessary to write us, the great sovereign, and they wrote the great one, but the sovereign was not written. And then you didn’t do it carefully, and all our letters will come to you, and you would continue in your unsubscribes and in all our deeds that will be on the letter, our, great sovereign, name and honor were written with great caution.
And you, clerks, would read all the letters yourself more than once and look out for much, so that in the future there would be no such indiscretions in your letters.
... And the clerk Grishka Kotoshikhin, who wrote that reply, was ordered to inflict punishment for that - to beat the batogs.
* Alexei Mikhailovich (1645-1676) from 1645 pursued an active foreign policy, the most important tasks of which he considered the return of the Russian lands that were under the rule of the Commonwealth and Sweden, as well as ensuring the security of the southern borders from the attack of Turkey and its vassal - the Crimean Khanate. Alexei Mikhailovich signed decrees and documents with his own hand, directly supervised foreign policy negotiations with Sweden, Poland and other states, strengthened control over the activities of Russian ambassadors.
Such severe penalties for errors in a diplomatic document are not currently resorted to, but they are still fraught with serious consequences.
Strictly adhering to the traditional norms and rules of correspondence, the diplomatic protocol closely monitors the observance of these norms and rules by foreign countries, resolutely opposes their violation and even more so attempts to harm the dignity of the country.
One of the requirements for a diplomatic document to this day remains the correct spelling of the addressee's surname and title. The document may sometimes contain something unpleasant for the addressee, but the formulas of politeness must be observed. Many are very particular about the spelling and order of their names. Both must strictly correspond to the records in official documents emanating from the institutions in which these persons work. special attention requires the writing of complex names and surnames (Spanish, Arabic, etc.), and their reduction should not be allowed, guided by the rules of the Russian language. Some peoples do not have surnames in our understanding, there is only a name, to which the name of the father is sometimes added in official correspondence, an arbitrary reduction of one name can cause a reasonable offense in a person.
It is the duty of everyone who is instructed to prepare a diplomatic document to figure out where the surname is and where the name is. Do not infringe on the dignity of the partner, show correctness, respect - this is what the correct spelling of the appeal and address is. In this case, the form is no less important than the content. There are many examples in the history of diplomacy when attempts were made to codify titles and politeness formulas when referring to monarchs, members of their families, representatives of the church, dukes, marquises, baronets and baronets. Back in the middle of the 17th century, the Russian embassy order established a list of "titles to which the potentate of the Moscow Tsar of the writer." The basis was the principle of mutual respect: "... the tsar writes in his letters to the surrounding great potentates titles according to their dignity, as they describe themselves, without derogation."
An inexperienced diplomat entrusted with correspondence can often face difficulties even now, especially when leaving documents addressed to heads of state. So, in 1984, Sultan Iskander was the head of Malaysia. His full title could hardly have been written without error without the help of an authoritative source, but even here it was not without "perestroika". The corrected title of the head of Malaysia was: "His Majesty Sultan Azlan Shah, Supreme Head of Malaysia, Akong of Malaysia". No less original was the official title of the former head of state of Zaire: "His Excellency Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngebendu Wa Za Banga, President of the Republic of Zaire, Chairman of the Executive Council, Chairman - Founder of the People's Movement."
And here is the title of the head of state and government of Brunei Darussalam, with which Russia has established diplomatic relations and sent its ambassador: “His Majesty the Sultan Sir Muda Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzadeen Waddaulah Sultan and Head of State, Prime Minister of Brunei Darussalam.”
Mistakes in the spelling or understanding of the names and surnames of dignitaries sometimes lead to curiosities, as, for example, in the semi-anecdotal case with the owner of a hotel in the south of France. He was approached by a foreigner with a request to give him a hotel room; when asked who he was, the foreigner answered: Domingo Rumardo Montealegre Almendares Covarrubias; having heard this, the owner said that the first two could stay in his hotel, and the rest in the hotel opposite ... And this was one Spaniard.
At first glance, it may seem insignificant if one note begins with the words "...has the honor to announce that ...", and the other simply "...reports that ..." However, this is far from being the case. Departure from the generally accepted formula may take place. But this should be a deliberate step, and it needs serious reasons. When, for example, a presentation is made or a protest is expressed, in connection with some conflict situation, the document may not contain the usual closing compliment ("... takes the opportunity to renew ... assurances of his ... respect").
Attempts by the diplomacy of some countries to abandon the established formulas of politeness do not find support in international practice. The vast majority of states show signs of respect to each other in their diplomatic correspondence. If one of the parties refuses the politeness formulas, then, based on the principle of reciprocity, the other party does the same.
A diplomatic document must have an impeccable appearance. Therefore, all diplomatic documents are printed on top quality paper, machine cut. When printing the text, erasures and corrections are not allowed. Envelopes for documents must be of the appropriate size and quality. The seal should be in its proper place - at the bottom of the document, and the text should be beautifully located throughout the sheet.
There are cases in history when the paper on which the document was written carried a greater semantic load than its content itself.
In 1915, Japan issued an ultimatum to China - the so-called "twenty-one demands". It was about extortionate terms, and Chinese President Yuan Shikai was slow to respond. Then the Japanese ambassador advised him to look at the paper on which the ultimatum was printed into the light. The watermarked silhouettes of Japanese warships were clearly visible on the paper.
Today's diplomatic correspondence does not require a huge number of scribes who "whitewashed" official documents. Nowadays, personal letters of a semi-official nature are sometimes still written by hand. All other diplomatic letters are typewritten, often even using a copying technique. But at the same time, if the author of the letter wants to show signs of special respect to the addressee, an appeal to him (“Dear Mr. Ambassador”, “Mr. Minister”, etc.), as well as a final compliment (“With best wishes”, “Sincerely yours ”, etc.) he writes by hand, although the rest of the text will be typed.
At present, stamping a diplomatic document has been reduced to a mere formality. Previously, the place of printing on the document was of fundamental importance. In 1595, the Russian ambassador Vasily Tyufyakin, who was sent to Iran to conclude a treaty, was instructed to insist that "the shah would order his nishan (seal) to be attached to the final letter at the bottom, and not at the top." As a compromise, the ambassador could agree to have the Shah affix the seal "to the side, in the middle of the letter".
The royal seal was a symbol of power and could only coexist with the seal of another sovereign and at the same level2. This testified to the equality and sovereignty of the heads of state. And at present, when affixing notes with an official seal, one should carefully monitor that the coat of arms occupies the correct, strictly vertical position *.
* On the royal charters of the ambassadors of Morocco, the seal is still placed at the top. This is perhaps the only country in the world that draws up credentials in this way.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts diplomatic correspondence in the language of its country. However, a translation into English may BE attached to the official text. foreign language. This is done if there is an intention to bring the contents of the document to the addressee as quickly as possible, and also to prevent possible inaccuracies that may be made when the document is translated by the addressee. In the early years of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, a number of verbal notes were sent to foreign missions in Moscow in French.
Embassies can correspond with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the language of their country. But this rule is not universal. Embassies often correspond in the language of the host country or attach translations of documents into this language to the originals. Diplomatic documents, as a rule, must be handed over personally to the addressee or sent by courier and handed over to a special authorized person against receipt. It is not recommended to send diplomatic correspondence by mail.
No matter how important the form and attributes of courtesy in a diplomatic document are, priority should still be given to the content, clarity of presentation, logical thought, evidence of facts, taking into account the characteristics of the addressee and possible reaction on his part.
A diplomatic document will be effective if it reflects the whole complex set of big and small problems concerning one or several countries, if it is imbued with concern for the welfare of mankind.
In diplomatic correspondence, inaccuracy, distortion of facts, their understatement or exaggeration should not be allowed. Such slovenliness makes the document vulnerable, since its content will be called into question. Subsequent amendments and clarifications, as a rule, cannot help. Therefore, when analyzing and selecting facts in documents, only those that have absolute certainty should be used.
It is appropriate to apply the rule to diplomatic documents: words should be cramped, and thoughts should be spacious. The language of diplomatic documents is simple, concise, comparisons and epithets are rarely used. However, an artistic image applied to the place can enhance the expressiveness of the document.
A word in a diplomatic document must be absolutely authentic to the concept embedded in it. If a word in some context can be understood and interpreted in different ways, then it is better not to use it, but to choose another one. The Russian language is rich and powerful, but a passion for literary style at the expense of clarity and precision can be harmful.
While presenting the thought clearly and clearly, striving to use fresh words and unhackneyed formulations, the drafter of the document should not neglect the already established and established concepts. There is no need, for example, to look for a semantic replacement for the expressions "peaceful coexistence", "cold war", "position of strength" politics, "new thinking", "perestroika", "people's diplomacy". These and other similar well-established expressions in different languages express specific, unified concepts.
The word in diplomatic correspondence and in diplomacy in general can be both an ally and an enemy. Skillfully chosen and said to the point, it will convince the doubters, incline the hesitant in the right direction, strengthen the conviction of the sympathizers. With a strict selection of verbal material, a diplomatic document will become conclusive and convincing. A word spoken in a hurry, written in a document in a hurry, will become an enemy, because it is not in vain that they say: "The word is not a sparrow, it will fly out - you will not catch it."
This information is necessary first of all for Caesar, ambassadors and their secretaries. These rules will be printed in four copies and provided to the designated persons.
Diplomatic documents, that is, those that relate to the foreign policy of states, occupy a special place.
These include: speeches by statesmen, messages, notes, memorandums, letters from governments outlining the position of states on the issues under discussion. The content of diplomatic documents reflects the diversity of life itself. In form, these can be messages recognizing the independence of states and a proposal to establish diplomatic relations, and statements affecting the fate of all peoples, and warnings, protests about the actions of certain states in the international arena that pose a threat to the peace and independence of other states.
This game will use the following types of diplomatic correspondence:
Personal notes;
official notes;
memorial notes;
private letters of a semi-official nature.
Some of these documents are framed by so-called politeness formulas - compliments. There are no such formulas in other documents.
Protocol courtesy formulas are used in personal and verbal notes, memos sent with couriers (a form of document that is used quite rarely).
personal note is sent on matters of great and fundamental importance or contains information about a major event. The note is drawn up in the first person on behalf of the person signing the note and begins with an appeal. The most common form is: "Dear Mr. (name)", "Dear Mr. Ambassador". This appeal is intended to favorably set the recipient in relation to the content of the text. Next comes the semantic part of the document. The note ends with a compliment (formula of courtesy), in which the author "testifies his respect."
The tone of personal notes can be more or less warm. If the note begins with the words: "Mr. Extrarrior", "Mr. Ambassador" and ends with "With respect" (without "sincere" or "deep"), then the intention of the author to give the note a restrained character is obvious.
Extrarrior or Ambassador: I ask you, Mr. Ambassador, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
Caesar or king: Please, Your Majesty, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
The nature of the compliment must take into account the principle of reciprocity, especially in the case of sending a note in return.
The form of address also depends on the specific case and local practice. The letter may include:
exterior - Mr. Exterior, Your Excellency;
Ambassador - Mr. Ambassador, Your Excellency;
ruler of the state - Your Majesty.
The seal, as well as the name and position of the signatory, are not affixed to the personal note.
The address is written in the lower left corner of the first page of the note, regardless of the number of sheets. The address indicates the rank of the person to whom the note is sent. In a number of cases, depending on local practice and on the basis of mutual respect, a title is used before the name of the person to whom a personal note is sent.
Sample personal note:
Secretariat of His Majesty Caesar Drixen.
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Please accept my sincere gratitude for your friendly congratulations on the occasion of the engagement of Princess (name) and Prince (name).
I fully share your opinion that this alliance will serve to strengthen friendship between our countries.
With deep respect,
(personal signature).
Ambassador of the Gaunau Kingdom.
Embassy of Gaunau. Einrecht.
official note is the most commonly used document. Exteriors, secretariats of rulers and embassies conduct diplomatic correspondence mainly by sending official notes.
Official notes are used to consider and resolve a wide range of issues. They set out political, economic and other problems, both bilateral and multilateral. The notes also request all kinds of permissions, report on incidents involving embassy employees, provide embassies with representative information (about organizing trips around the country, inviting diplomats to official events, etc.).
Official notes begin and end with a compliment. The note begins with the full name of the sender and recipient: "The Embassy of the Kingdom of Talig shows its respect to His Majesty Gottfried Caesar Driksen and has the honor to announce ..."
The final compliment contains the abbreviated title: "The Embassy takes this opportunity to renew to His Majesty the assurances of its highest consideration."
A compliment is not used in notes containing a message about the declaration of mourning in the country, or in notes with an expression of condolences.
The range of protocol politeness formulas is very wide. This allows you to soften a more severe tone or give it more warmth. However, one should always remember: nothing is valued so dearly and is not so cheap as politeness. Harsh expressions, rhetorical turns of speech, vague hints, exclamation points, abbreviations in the form of “etc. etc." in musical correspondence are not allowed. When working on the text of a note containing, for example, a protest, it is worth remembering that it may not be accepted, and this, in turn, can lead to a conflict situation with far-reaching consequences.
The text of official notes is written in the third person.
An example of an official note:
Embassy of the Kingdom of Gaunau.
Einrecht
(the date)
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Gaunau pays its respects to His Majesty Gottfried Caesar Driksen and has the honor to announce that our kingdom will honor the obligations assumed in relation to our union. While continuing to have full confidence in the victorious end of this war, in full agreement with the Allies, it is also fully confident that the questions raised by this war will be resolved in the spirit of laying a solid foundation for a lasting peace.
(signature of the ambassador, his name and seal of the embassy)
His Majesty Caesar Driksen Gottfried
Secretariat of His Majesty Caesar Drixen
Einrecht
Memoirs usually handed in person in order to enhance the meaning or emphasize the importance of an oral statement or request made during the conversation, to facilitate the further progress of the case, to prevent the possibility of misinterpretation or understanding of the conversation or oral statement.
The text of the memorandum is drawn up in an impersonal form (in the third person), contains an appeal and a compliment, has a designation of the place of sending and the date. Unlike a verbal note, such notes are not stamped and do not indicate the address. On top there is an inscription: "Memorial note".
Memoirs are sent either at the request of the person with whom the conversation took place, or as a reminder of a particular issue. In diplomatic practice, there are 2 types of memos: a) handed over personally, b) sent by courier.
Example memo:
Embassy of the Kingdom of Talig
Einrecht
(the date)
“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Talig shows its respect to His Majesty Gottfried Caesar Driksen and hopes that the issue of preferential duties on trade in the cities of Methenberg, Rotfogel and Kirschenbaumen will be resolved as soon as possible.
The Embassy takes this opportunity to renew to His Majesty the assurances of its highest consideration.
(personal signature of the ambassador)
private letter semi-official nature is sent to familiar officials in cases where any assistance is required in resolving issues that are the subject of official correspondence or negotiations in order to emphasize the author's interest in this case or to speed up the resolution of any issue by using the influence of the person to whom the letter is sent.
Private letters are written on plain paper, the reverse side of the sheet is not used. The appeal in such a letter is as follows: “Dear Mr. N (position or name)”.
The final compliment is required. Date and personal signature required. The address is written only on the envelope.
Sample private letter:
Einrecht, (date).
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Returning to our pleasant conversation yesterday, I would like to thank you once again for your kind invitation to a musical evening.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the performance was beyond praise.
The evening spent in your house will remain in our memory for a long time.
Please accept, Mr. Ambassador, the assurances of my deep respect for you.
Diplomatic correspondence is one of the forms of diplomatic activity of the Soviet state in the implementation of the goals and objectives of its foreign policy. This is its importance.
When drawing up any diplomatic document, a correct understanding of the foreign policy of the state and the specific tasks of diplomacy in relation to the host country is required. Without such an understanding, qualified drafting of diplomatic documents is impossible.
When preparing a diplomatic document, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of exactly the issue that will be discussed in the document, its history, the state of this problem at the time the documents were drawn up, the legal aspects of the problem, etc.
Diplomatic correspondence is conducted in compliance with the traditional rules of diplomatic protocol. Developed over a long period of practice, from. are generally accepted in international diplomatic activity and should be considered binding. Violation of the rules for conducting diplomatic correspondence can lead to negative consequences in the relationship between the parties.
We must strictly approach the drafting of diplomatic documents, paying the most serious attention not only to their content, but also to the form of presentation.
The most common types of diplomatic correspondence documents are a personal note, a note verbale, an aide-mémoire, a memorandum, a private letter (of a semi-official nature).
They differ from each other in their meaning, purpose and Formal (protocol) recognitions. All mentioned types of diplomatic correspondence are official.
It is necessary to choose the right type of document for each specific case and respond to documents of the same level.
Language of documents of diplomatic correspondence.
Formally, the ministry and the embassy have the right to conduct diplomatic correspondence in the language of their country. However, this can sometimes cause difficulties for those who receive a document with a translation, and thus make it difficult and delay the consideration of the issues raised in the diplomatic document. In order to overcome this it is possible:
1) by agreement with the department of foreign affairs or with the embassy, correspondence in any third language;
2) maintaining correspondence in the language of their country, with an unofficial translation attached to each document.
It is not a mistake for an embassy to conduct diplomatic correspondence in the language of the host country. But the embassy needs to be careful in cases where the host country has not one, but two or more official languages. Corresponding on only one of these can lead to complications in relationships.
Types of documents of diplomatic correspondence
1. A personal note is sent on matters of great and fundamental importance or in the order of official information about any important event, as well as in accordance with the established requirements of the diplomatic protocol in the host country.
A personal note, for example, is sent with information about a change in the name of a state, about the formation of a new government of one's country, on an important issue of bilateral relations, on any international problem etc. The ambassador sends personal notes to his colleagues in the diplomatic corps on the presentation of his credentials and answers about his temporary or permanent departure from the host country and the appointment of a chargé d'affaires; about returning to the host country after a temporary departure from it.
Personal notes are sent on protocol issues, for example: congratulations on the occasion of a national holiday, personal festive events with the head of state, head of government, minister of foreign affairs, other persons with whom the ambassador or diplomatic employee of the embassy is familiar and maintains contact (acquaintance) with them; condolences on the occasion of mourning events; on other protocol issues. A personal note is sent in response to a received personal note. personal note peculiar formal signs, which must be observed unless there are special reasons for some deviation from them. These formal features are as follows: a personal note is drawn up in the first person, printed on a note sheet; in the upper right corner of the note form, the name of the city of dispatch (capital) and the date of departure of the note are printed; the outgoing number on the original note, as a rule, is not affixed.
The text of a personal note begins with an appeal, for example:
(Mister) Minister,
(Mister) Ambassador,
Your Excellency.
In some countries - Dear(name and patronymic) ( Mister) Minister(if a personal note is sent to an envoy or an adviser in the rank of an envoy),
(Mister) chargé d'affaires. In a personal note sent to the charge d'affaires, the word " Temporary' is not written.
Depending on the nature of the relationship with the person to whom the personal note is sent, as well as in the order of reciprocity or depending on local protocol practice, before the above appeals (excluding the appeal " Your Excellency”), the word “ Dear».
Adjective in circulation " Dear" or " Cher» are translated into Russian as « Dear».
After the appeal comes the text, which, as a rule, begins with the words " I have honour". (In a personal note containing condolence or protest, the words " I have honour» are omitted).
The text of a personal note ends with an expression of respect (compliment). This is a very important formal element of a personal note, since it is given exceptional importance in all countries. The misuse of a compliment can be regarded as a deliberate desire to damage the prestige of the person to whom the personal note is addressed. Therefore, very careful attention is needed to correct application compliment, not overestimating, but not underestimating it. Compliments are different and are applied depending on the political, official position or rank of the person to whom the personal note is sent. They may be as follows:
To the Prime Minister, the President of Parliament, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, other Ministers, Ambassadors and persons of equivalent position or rank:
« I ask you to(specify position) accept the assurances of my highest consideration for you". (For example: " I ask you, Mr. Ambassador, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration».)
To this compliment - " very high respect", as well as on the appeal" Your Excellency”, - persons who were retired, but before it had the right to the given compliments and appeal, are also entitled.
Deputy ministers, department directors, if they do not have the personal rank of ambassador, envoys, envoy-counselors and persons of equivalent status:
« I ask you to(position is indicated) accept the assurances of my highest consideration". (For example: " I ask you, Mr. Director, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration».)
Chargé d'Affaires ad interim (who does not have the personal rank of envoy):
« I ask you, Mr. Chargé d'Affaires, to accept the assurances of my deep respect (or reverence)».
In correspondence with representatives of other countries, instead of the above compliments, there may be compliments: “ With deep respect», « Sincerely».
In the local protocol practice of individual countries, there may be some peculiarities in the use of compliments (or deviations from the generally accepted ones). These features must be known and observed.
The compliment is followed by the personal signature of the person who sends the personal note. The signature must be legible. Printing below the signature the surname or position of the person signing the note (or both at the same time) is permissible, but not required.
A personal note is not stamped.
In the lower left corner of the note, always on the first page, regardless of the number of pages, the address of the person to whom the note is sent is written. The address consists of the title " His Excellency" (or E.P.), then from the name and surname, the full official position of this person, the full official (constitutional) name of the country of this person, full name capitals, for example:
« HIS EXCELLENCY
TO MR MAURICE R. COOLS,
FOREIGN MINISTER
(full name of minister's country)
(name of the capital)"
The same address is printed on the envelope in which the personal note is sent.
2. Note verbale is the most common type of diplomatic correspondence document of an embassy.
A note verbale sets out a wide variety of issues that arise in the activities of a ministry or a diplomatic mission. There is no regulation of the issues to be stated in verbal notes (as well as in personal notes). This should be guided by tradition and existing practice in the host country.
The text of the verbal note is drawn up in the third person, printed on the note sheet.
A note verbale is not signed, but sometimes the initials of the person issuing the note are placed under the text, which, however, is not necessary, especially if local practice does not require it.
3. The memorial note is handed in person after an oral statement or request outlining this statement or request, the purpose of the presentation of the memorial note is to strengthen the meaning (importance) of the statement made or the request raised, to prevent the possibility of misinterpretation or misunderstanding of what was said orally. From this it should be concluded that not after every diplomatic conversation it is necessary to resort to the delivery of an aide-mémoire.
Usually the text of the memorandum is written in an impersonal form, for example:
« Is brought to the attention», « reported», « A request is made" etc. It is not necessary to begin the memorandum with these phrases. It is perfectly acceptable to start right away with the merits of the case.
The text of the memorandum contains neither an appeal nor a compliment. The memo is printed on a plain sheet of paper. The name of the capital and the date of delivery are put under the text. No stamp is placed.
4. A memorandum is a document detailing the factual side of a particular issue, containing an analysis of certain provisions, arguments in defense of one's position or arguing with the arguments of the other side.
The memorandum may contain several pages of text. The memorandum is handed over personally or sent with a note (personal or verbal).
A memorandum handed in person is printed on a note sheet, has no appeal and compliment, the place and date of delivery are indicated under the text. No stamp is placed.
5. Private letter. A private letter is sent to familiar officials when sending a personal or verbal note is not provided.
A private letter raises a request for some kind of assistance on issues that are the subject of official correspondence or negotiations, and thereby emphasizes the author's interest in a particular case.
A private letter is sent on protocol matters. They can be personal and family events of a person (birthday, promotion, receiving an order, the birth of a child in the family, as well as mourning events, etc.). Souvenirs, etc., are sent with a private letter.
Private letters are written on plain paper (half a sheet), sometimes on a letterhead with the name and surname or official position of the sender printed in the upper left corner. The reverse side of the sheet is not used. The address in such a letter is as follows: Dear Mr. Minister”,“ Dear Comrade N. ”,“ Dear Mr. Director», « Dear Mr Senator" etc.
The final compliment in a private letter is obligatory, and it depends on the official or social position of the addressee and the nature of the relationship between the author and the addressee (see the above recommendations on compliments when sending personal notes).
It is preferable to write a private letter by hand. By this, the author emphasizes his respect for the person to whom the letter is sent.
The address is written only on the envelope.
There is a protocol rule: Chague lettre demande reponse« Every letter needs a response.". Therefore, if there are no special, special reasons, it is necessary not to delay the answer to a note, letter or other diplomatic document and give it, if possible, as soon as possible.
Documents of diplomatic correspondence must be printed on good, not wrinkled or soiled, machine-cut paper, flawless appearance. Text is well placed.
In diplomatic documents, corrections and erasures are absolutely not allowed, no matter how skillfully they are performed.
Envelopes should be selected for sending documents good quality and a format corresponding to the size of the document, it is allowed to fold the document only into a half-sheet.
Documents of diplomatic correspondence are sent by courier; You can't send them by mail.
§ 19. Types of diplomatic documentation
Much of the diplomatic documents of states are documents of an intradepartmental nature. The other category is documents by means of which written official communications between states are carried out and which express their positions on a particular issue.
Quite a number of diplomatic documents touching on important problems of international life are widely published and have a serious impact on the formation of the image of the state on the world stage, on its prestige. At the same time, most of the materials are not made public due to the insignificance or private nature of the issues considered in them (notes with a request for visas, notifying about a diplomat's trip around the country, etc.). Finally, there is documentation that, due to certain circumstances, is of a purely confidential nature (often, when the center's instructions are fulfilled, the text of the corresponding "oral message" is read out, but not officially transmitted to the addressee).
Diplomatic correspondence follows the traditional rules of protocol, developed over a long period of practice and are now generally accepted in international activities. And the preparation of diplomatic documents, which requires certain professional skills, is one of the most important activities of foreign affairs departments. Control over compliance with the established practice of correspondence is usually assigned to protocol services.
In international and Russian diplomatic practice, the following types of documents are most often used:
- personal notes;
- verbal notes;
- memorial notes;
- memorandums;
- private letters of a semi-official nature.
Formally, the ministry and the embassy have the right to conduct diplomatic correspondence in the language of their country. However, sometimes this can cause difficulties for those who receive a document with a translation and thus make it difficult and delay the consideration of issues. set in the document. In order to overcome this, correspondence may be conducted by agreement in a third language; in practice, the language of one's own country is more often used, with an unofficial translation attached to each document. It will not be a mistake for the embassy to conduct diplomatic correspondence in the language of the host country; however, care is needed when a country has two or more official languages. Corresponding on one of them can cause unwanted complications.
The note is sent on issues of important and fundamental importance or contains official information about any event (for example, about changing the name of the state, about the formation of a new government, on an important issue of bilateral or international relations, etc.). Ambassador sends personal notes to colleagues in the diplomatic corps on the presentation of credentials and responds to the same notes of colleagues; foreign minister on temporary or permanent departure from the host country and on the appointment of a charge d'affaires; about the return in host country, etc.
Personal notes are sent on protocol matters: congratulations on the occasion of a national holiday, personal events from the head of state, head of government, minister of foreign affairs, other persons with whom the ambassador or other diplomatic worker is familiar and maintains contact; condolences; on other protocol issues. A personal note is sent in response to a received note.
A personal note has a number of formal features that are customary to observe: the note is drawn up in the first person, printed on the sheet music; in the upper right corner, the name of the city of departure (capital) and the date of departure are printed; the outgoing number on the original, as a rule, is not affixed. Personal note text begins with an address, for example: (Mr. Minister. Mr. Ambassador, Your Excellency, Mr. Chargé d'Affaires (in a personal note sent to the Charge d'Affaires, the word "temporary" is omitted). Taking into account the nature of the personal relationship with the addressee, reciprocity and local protocol practice, the word "respected" is written before the above addresses (an exception is made only for the appeal "Your Excellency").
The appeal is followed by a text that begins, as a rule, with the words "I have the honor"(they are omitted in notes containing condolence or protest). The text ends with an expression of respect(compliment) - a formal but important element, which is sometimes given exceptionally great importance (primarily in developing countries, especially sensitive to various kinds of prestige-protocol considerations). Incorrect use of a compliment (especially in the direction of understating it) can be regarded as a deliberate desire to harm the person to whom the note is addressed.
Compliments are applied taking into account the political, official position or rank of the person concerned. For example, in appeals to the prime minister, chairman of parliament, minister of foreign affairs and other ministers, it is customary for ambassadors to write: I will forgive you (position is indicated) accept assurances of my very high respect for you. and to the appeal "Your Excellency" - are also entitled to retired persons. Deputy ministers, directors of departments, if they do not have the rank of ambassador, envoys, envoy-counselors and persons of an equivalent position - "I ask you (the position is indicated) to accept assurances of my highest consideration". Chargé d'Affaires ad interim (not having the rank of envoy) - "I ask you, Mr. Chargé d'Affaires, to accept assurances of my deep respect (or respect)". In the local protocol practice of individual countries there may be some peculiarities in the application compliments (or deviation from the generally accepted).
The compliment is followed by a personal signature the person sending the note, which must be legible. A personal note is not stamped. In the lower left corner, always on the first page, the address of the person to whom the note is sent is written. The address consists of the appropriate title ("His Excellency" or "E.P.", for example), the first and last name, the full official position of this person, the constitutional name of the country he represents and its capital. The same address is printed on the envelope in which the personal note is sent.
Since the Second World War and the formation of the anti-Hitler coalition, the practice of diplomatic correspondence has firmly entered exchange of personal letters and messages between heads of state and government. Due to the exceptional political significance of the content, the high position of the sender and recipient, such documents go beyond ordinary personal notes and should be singled out as an independent subspecies. This category also includes letters from foreign ministers especially widely used in contacts with the UN, its specialized agencies and other international organizations. All these documents have traditional protocol attributes.(address and compliment) and the personal signature of the sender.
The most common type of correspondence in modern diplomacy is verbal notes(meaning: "a paper that should be seriously taken into account"), mainly through which they carry out official contacts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy.
A note verbale sets out a variety of issues that arise in the activities of a ministry or diplomatic mission. They may touch upon political, economic, cultural and other problems of a bilateral and multilateral nature, provide representative information, report on road and other accidents involving embassy employees, request visas, etc. There is no regulation of the issues to be presented in verbal notes - the guideline here is the tradition and the current practice of the host country. The text of the note is composed only in the third person, It is printed on paper of the highest quality, a special musical form produced by a typographical method, and is not signed. Sometimes the initials of the person issuing the note are placed under the text, which is done, as a rule, if local practice requires it. The stamp of the embassy (ministry) is placed at the end of the text.
A note verbale begins with an appeal, which should contain a compliment, for example:"The Embassy of the Russian Federation shows its respect to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda and has the honor ... (further follows the text)". After the text, it is customary to use a compliment again type: "The Embassy renews to the Ministry the assurances of its very high consideration." Then the name of the capital idata is imprinted. When repeating references to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in the text, one can avoid their full names, limiting themselves, as shown above, to the words "ministry" and "embassy". In the lower left corner of the first page there is always an address that is reproduced on the envelope.
Sometimes in the final part of the note - in a compliment - the ornate formula "The Embassy seizes the opportunity" is used. In general, the range of politeness formulas is very wide, which will enable the composer of the note to give it a strict dry tone or, on the contrary, great warmth. Sharpness, rhetorical turns, allusions, exclamations are avoided, abbreviations are also unacceptable - "etc., etc." Even when preparing a note of protest, it must be taken into account that, due to excessive harshness, it may not be accepted, and this most often leads to a conflict situation with sometimes difficult to predict consequences.
For obvious reasons, the compliment is not used in verbal notes announcing the declaration of mourning in the country or expressing condolences, as well as in notes containing a protest in connection with actions that are unlawful or detrimental to the prestige of the state. The compliment is also omitted in those cases (based on the principle of reciprocity) when, for some internal reason, it is not used in the diplomatic correspondence of a particular country. Since the 1950s, it has been actively used exchange of verbal notes between governments, which, as a rule, also lack a courtesy formula.
In the recent past, the choice of the form of a note - personal (signed) or verbal - was linked to the state of relations between states - subjects of correspondence. In this regard, historians of diplomacy mention, in particular, the fact that Russia, on the eve of the First World War, in its relations with the government of Austria-Hungary, only verbal notes on all occasions, which knowledgeable people regarded as a clear sign of tension, deterioration of relations between the two countries. Nowadays, the choice of the form of a note (personal or verbal) is no longer given such dramatization, and they are considered as completely equivalent.
Such documents of diplomatic correspondence as memos and memorandums do not require complimentary registration.
The aide-mémoire is handed in person after an oral statement or a request with their statement in order to strengthen the meaning of the statement made; emphasize the importance of the indicated request; contribute to the successful, and sometimes - and accelerated progress of the case; prevent the possibility of misinterpretation or understanding of what was communicated in a diplomatic conversation. Of course, not every conversation should end with the delivery of a note.
Usually the memorandum is drawn up in an impersonal form"Communicated", "Reported", "Requested", etc. It is quite acceptable to start right away with the merits of the case. The text of the note does not contain either an appeal or a compliment, it is printed on a plain sheet of paper; the name of the capital is put under the text and the date of delivery; no stamp is placed. If the aide-memoire contains a statement of an oral statement or the statement itself without the above introductory phrases, the name of the capital and the date are also not written at the end of it. The inscription: "Aide-memoire" is printed above the text.
There may be cases when the embassy did not intend to hand over the memorandum, but the interlocutor, on his own initiative, asked to hand it over. In the absence of serious reasons preventing this, the note is sent with a personal or verbal note (option: with calling card) with reference to the request.
At present, memos sent by courier are gradually disappearing from diplomatic practice. In form, they are close to a verbal note (they are written in the third person, contain an appeal and a compliment, have a registration number, etc.), but unlike it, the notes are not stamped and the address is not indicated.
A memorandum is a document detailing the factual side of a particular issue, containing an analysis of the relevant provisions, arguments in defense of one's position and (or) polemics with the arguments of the other side. This type of document is very voluminous - it can contain several pages of text.
The memorandum is handed over personally or sent with a note. Upon delivery, it is printed on a musical form, does not have an appeal and a compliment, the place and date of delivery are indicated under the text, the seal is not put. A memorandum sent with a note is printed on music paper (not on a letterhead); the place and date of departure are not indicated (although it would not be a mistake to print them); also not stamped. Attaching a memorandum to a note makes it possible to shorten the text of the note itself and provides certain advantages in stating the issue that is the subject of correspondence.
A private letter is sent to familiar officials when sending a personal or verbal note for one reason or another is not possible.
The letter may ask for assistance on issues that are the subject of official correspondence or negotiations, and thereby emphasize the author's interest in a particular case, in speeding up the solution of a problem, etc.
This type of diplomatic correspondence is also used for protocol reasons.- for congratulations on personal and family events (birthday, promotion, receiving an order, the birth of a child in family, as well as mourning events, etc.). Souvenirs are sent with a private letter.
Private letters are written on plain paper (half a sheet), sometimes on a form with the name and surname or official position of the sender printed in the upper left corner. The reverse side of the sheet is not used. Typical addresses: "Dear Mr. Minister", "Dear Mr. Director", etc. The final compliment in the letter depends on the official or social position of the addressee and the nature of the relationship with him (recommendations on compliments when sending personal notes can be taken as a basis). It is preferable to write a private letter by hand, which emphasizes special respect for the person to whom the letter is sent. The address is written only on the envelope.
It is supposed to be able to correctly choose the appropriate type of diplomatic correspondence for each specific case, based on the occasion, the essence of the problem at hand. And it is important to remember the protocol commandment: "Every letter requires an answer." Therefore, unless there are excusing or special tactical reasons, a response to a note, letter or other diplomatic document must be given as soon as possible. Any document of diplomatic correspondence must be printed on good (not soft and dirty) machine-cut paper, of impeccable appearance; text is well placed. Corrections and erasures are absolutely unacceptable, no matter how skillfully they are performed. Envelopes of proper quality and format are selected for sending documents. It is allowed to fold the document, but only half a sheet (sometimes one third).
