page_title: Diplomatic correspondence
section_title: Démarches and aides-mémoire
hierarchical_section_title: Diplomatic correspondence / Notes / Démarches and aides-mémoire
context_page_description: Diplomatic correspondence is correspondence between one state and another and is usually of a formal character. It follows several widely observed customs and style in composition, substance, presentation, and delivery and can generally be categorized into letters and notes.
context_section_description: A démarche (non-paper) is considered less formal than the already informal bout de papier. Officially described as "a request or intercession with a foreign official" it is a written request that is presented without attribution from the composing state and is, therefore, delivered in-person.
  Similar to a démarche, an aide-mémoire is a proposed agreement or negotiating text circulated informally among multiple states for discussion without committing the originating delegation's country to the contents. It has no identified source, title, or attribution and no standing in the relationship involved.
caption: A British foreign office internal record of a 1921 aide-mémoire delivered to Aristide Briand.
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