Not all the blame falls on middle-level officials, whose job it is to cultivate better relations with difficult regimes.

Every tribe - like it or not - had to cultivate relations with its neighbour.

William cultivated close relations with the church in his duchy.

North Korea has good reasons for cultivating improved relations with Washington.

The King elected at once to cultivate relations with Draco, so that he would bring what was required, when the time came.

"We cultivate close relations with any policy-maker that wants to use our material," he said.

Mr. Schofield said he had worked hard to to cultivate good relations with employees.

His company, he added, cultivates close relations with the government and contributes to local social-service projects.

Nor did he cultivate relations with those on Voltai who admired him.

In one exchange, a Cherokee official spoke of cultivating "relations with the power brokers."