For some, the implementation of cultural diplomacy is not done on a playing field when all participants are free of impediments, as minor as they may… - Thomas Patrick Melady

I'd say the aspect of the communism of the Chinese or Russians which wasn't marketable was the atheism. The Africans were sort of a naturally spiritual people and it was hard to communicate that.

The family of man must accept responsibility for the suffering of other members of the family. Over 150,000 bodies are buried in the foothills of Burundi. I write with a feeling of great sadness, for I see no end to the business. The work of reducing age-old hatreds and fears is long and difficult. Armenia, Ireland, Malaysia, Cyprus, Canada and Belgium comprise a sad and unended litany of horror. Perhaps there are lessons to be retrieved from the Burundi experience.

It was very clear the key office for an ambassador is the Department of State, the Office of Foreign Affairs. So you get right down to a small number of people. My own personal style was not too over do it but to keep in touch and to be available.