A démarche (; from the French word whose literal meaning is "step" or "solicitation") has come to refer either to: a line of action; move; countermove; maneuver, especially in diplomacy; or a formal diplomatic representation (diplomatic correspondence) of the official position, views or wishes on a subject from one government to another government or intergovernmental organization. Diplomatic démarches are delivered to the appropriate official of a government or organization. Démarches generally seek to persuade, inform or gather information from a foreign government. Governments may also use a démarche to protest or object to actions by a foreign government. Informally, the word is sometimes used as a verb to describe making or receiving such correspondence. Démarches by the United States The U.S. government defines démarche as "a request or intercession with a foreign official, e.g., a request for support of a policy, or a protest about the host government's policy or actions". The US government issues démarches to foreign governments through "front-channel cable" instructions from the United States Department of State. Any Department of State officer or other official under the authority of the chief of mission can make a démarche. Unless the Department of State provides specific instructions as to rank (for example: "the Ambassador should call on the Foreign Minister"), the embassy has discretion to determine who should make the presentation and which officials in the host government should receive it. Preparation of the démarche Démarche instruction cables from the Department of State include the following elements: Objective: The objective is a clear statement of the purpose of the démarche, and of what the U.S. Government hopes to achieve. Arguments: This section outlines how the Department of State proposes to make an effective case for its views. It should include a rationale for the U.S. Government’s position, supporting arguments, likely counter-arguments, and suggested rebuttals. Background: The background should spell out pitfalls; particular sensitivities of other bureaus, departments, or agencies; and any other special considerations. Suggested talking points: Suggested talking points should be clear, conversational, and logically organized. Unless there are compelling reasons to require verbatim delivery, the démarche instruction cable should make it clear that the post may use its discretion and local knowledge to structure and deliver the message in the most effective way. ("Embassy may draw from the following points in making this presentation to appropriate host government officials.") Written material: This section is used to provide