g) In the light of persistent lack of access to information and dialogue on foreign policy issues, it will be prudent for the Department to examine the wisdom of having an independent, multifaceted, scholarly group assisting in dissemination and engagement of different sectors of our society on foreign policy issues. The USA has the Council on Foreign Relations formed in 1921. It is an independent, non-partisan membership organisation. It is a think tank and publisher, dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators, students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the US and other countries. The Committee would like a synopsis of the Department's thinking in relation to such a model institution in the future.