Today, Russian speech is replete with a variety of terms and concepts that, until recently, were known only to a narrow circle of enlightened and literate people. Such words have now firmly entered life and are found everywhere: in everyday life, art, work, politics, and sometimes even in the field of entertainment. One such term is "memorandum". What is this word and what does it mean?
History of the origin of the word
Before you begin to understand the meanings and stylistic options, it is worth understanding the semantic load and literal lexical meaning. Memorandum in Latin means "what you need / should remember." In the old days, this term was used to refer to manuscripts or books that tell about historical events, facts from the past, and even some descriptions of otherworldly worlds and entities beyond human life. Today the word "memorandum" also means a document, only drawn up not to mention the past, but inas a reminder or guide to action in the future.
Meaning in policy
The first association with this term is international relations. When solving various economic and political issues at the interstate level, a representative of one of the parties is personally presented with a diplomatic document - a memorandum. What it is? Such a document, as a rule, covers all available facts on the issue under consideration, sets out an analysis of the current state of affairs and prospects for the future, contains the rationale for the position of the party and possible solutions with an analytical or calculated review of all possible consequences of the fulfillment or non-fulfillment by the other party of the conditions set forth.
In simple terms, in a memorandum at the level of international relations, one state reasonably declares to another its position on any issue. And it requires or reminds of the need to fulfill certain obligations. This document can be transmitted both independently and as an attachment to a diplomatic note. And the other side, having considered all aspects, decides whether to sign the agreement or not.
International
Such agreements can be signed not only between the governments of countries. The parties to an interstate document may be individual departments or ministries, large corporations, organizations and associations of public sector, etc. For example, a memorandum of cooperation between universities in several countries may involve the exchangescientific research and work, staff and students to gain experience and expand the circle of knowledge in order to achieve the best results in any scientific field.
Value in business
If it's not about the interstate level, the memorandum: what kind of paper? In business (most often in trade), such a document can be sent to a partner or client with a reminder of the need to fulfill any obligations. For example, about the imminent expiration of the debt for the purchased goods, the requirement to ship products at the price specified in the contract, etc. True, this concept is used infrequently in this industry. And, as a rule, only large corporations.
Special and specific interpretations
Very often can be found in an insurance contract or as an annex to it a memorandum. What is it, if we are talking about this area of the economy? In insurance policies, most often marine, such a concept refers to a list of cases and circumstances that are not subject to compensation under the contract. In the office work of various organizations and institutions, you can also find documents with the eloquent name "Memorandum". The value of such papers is reduced to banal memos, official certificates and other paper correspondence.
There are also specific meanings of the term. For example, a document containing a list of restrictions on various promotions and discounts, compiled by a film distributor and sent to film distribution companies. On the stock marketthere is the concept of "investment memorandum". This document sets out information that is necessary or useful to potential contributors. This applies to both investments in the stock market and direct investments in companies and enterprises.
Memorandum structure
As mentioned above, this document can be drawn up in the form of an ordinary memo and a business letter, proudly titled the word "Memorandum". What kind of document is it, if it is drawn up correctly, as an agreement or contract, while adhering to the basic rules and principles? First of all, it should be divided into semantic sections:
- Introductory part. It contains a brief description of the subject matter.
- The main part of the memorandum. It tells in detail about the subject of discussion, gives a legal and economic analysis of the issue, contains analytical reviews, the position of the party regarding the subject of discussion. This part should be as informative as possible, contain facts and reasonable conclusions without abstract reasoning and deviations from the topic.
- Expected results of the fulfillment/non-fulfillment of the put forward conditions with a clear position of the one who proposes such an agreement. When concluding it, it is important to remember that the parties, after having signed the memorandum, can no longer refuse to implement it or terminate it without the consequences set forth in this section.
- Links to regulations, other agreements, treaties or memorandums, etc.
- The final part, which usually consists ofabstracts.
The document must be written correctly, without errors and vernacular expressions, provide explanations for complex or specific terms. The memorandum should also take into account the characteristics of the parties to the agreement and the availability of opportunities for its implementation. Everything depends on the issue under consideration, therefore, the subtleties of economic development, religious preferences, and established traditions are taken into account. Thus, the word "memorandum" has many meanings. And it acquires a specific meaning depending on the scope and purpose of use.
