Memorandum - what is it?

Today, Russian speech is replete with various terms and concepts that until recently were known only to a narrow circle of enlightened and literate people. Such words are now densely integrated into life and are found everywhere: in everyday life, art, work, politics and sometimes even in entertainment. One such term is a "memorandum". What is this word, and what does it mean?

History of origin of the word

Before you begin to understand the meanings and stylistic variants, it is worthwhile to understand the semantic load and literal lexical meaning. Memorandum, translated from Latin, means "what you need / should be remembered". In olden days, this term was used to refer to manuscripts or books about historical events, facts from the past, and even some descriptions of otherworldly worlds and essences beyond human life. Today, the word "memorandum" also means a document, not only made to mention the past, but as a reminder or guide to action in the future.

Importance in politics

The first association with this term is international relations. When solving various economic and political issues at the interstate level, a diplomatic document - a memorandum - is personally handed to the representative of one of the parties. 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 justification of the party's position 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 stated conditions.

In simple terms, in a memorandum on the level of international relations, one state reasonably states to the other about its position on any issue. And requires or reminds you of the need to fulfill certain obligations. This document can be submitted both independently and as an attachment to a diplomatic note. And the second party, after considering all aspects, decides whether to sign the agreement or not.

On the international level

Such agreements can be signed not only between the governments of countries. The parties to the interstate document may be individual departments or ministries, large corporations, organizations and associations of budgetary spheres, etc. For example, a memorandum on cooperation between universities in several countries may involve the exchange of scientific research and work, staff and students to gain experience and expand the range of knowledge With the aim of achieving the best results in any scientific field.

Importance in business

If it's not about the interstate level, the memorandum: what kind of paper is it? 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, the soon expiration of the repayment of debt for the purchased goods, the requirement to ship the products at the price stipulated in the contract, etc. However, this concept is used in this industry infrequently. And, as a rule, only large corporations.

Special and specific interpretations

Very often you can find in the insurance contract or in the form of an attachment to it a memorandum. What is it, if we are talking about this sphere of the economy? In insurance policies, most often maritime, such a notation means a list of cases and circumstances that are not compensable under the contract. In the proceedings of various organizations and institutions, one can also find documents with the eloquent title "Memorandum". The significance of such papers is reduced to banal memoranda, service certificates and other paper correspondence.

There are specific meanings of the term. For example, a document containing a list of restrictions on various stocks and discounts, compiled by the distributor of the film and directed to companies engaged in film distribution. In the stock market there is the concept of an "investment memorandum". This document outlines the information that is necessary or will be useful to potential investors. 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 a regular memo and a business letter, proudly entitled the word "Memorandum". What kind of document is it, if it is correctly drafted, as an agreement or treaty, while adhering to the basic rules and principles? First of all, it should be divided into semantic sections:

• Introduction. It contains a brief description of the subject matter.
• The main part of the memorandum. Expanded narrates about the subject of discussion, gives legal and economic analysis of the issue, contains analytical reviews, the party's position on the subject of discussion. This part should be as informative as possible, contain facts and justified conclusions without abstract reasoning and deviations from the topic.
• Expected results of fulfillment / non-fulfillment of the proposed conditions with a clear position of the one who proposes such an agreement. Concluding it, it is important to remember: after signing the memorandum, the parties can no longer refuse to execute it or terminate it without the consequences set forth in this section.
• References to normative and legal acts, other agreements, agreements or memoranda, etc.
• The final part, which, as a rule, consists of abstracts.

The document should be compiled correctly, without errors and simple expressions, and provide explanations for complex or specific terms. The Memorandum should also take into account the specifics of the parties to the agreement and the availability of opportunities for its implementation. Everything depends on the issue under consideration, so the subtleties of economic development, religious preferences, and established traditions are taken into account. Thus, the word "memorandum" has many meanings. And the concrete meaning it acquires, depending on the scope and purpose of use.