United States officials gave diplomats private assurances that the American forces would do their best to confiscate all heavy weapons.

However Roosevelt would only give private assurances and any prospect of France staying in the fight was removed.

Thomas later wrote that despite earlier private assurances from the senator, Biden's questions had been akin to a beanball.

But the Syrians spent the last six weeks asking Washington various questions to clarify the proposal and pin down some private assurances before answering today.

Many key Conservatives were given private assurances during the campaign that the Nixon Administration would be very Conservative.

More importantly, they appear to have Mr. Bush's private assurance that he will press for approval if re-elected.

But several countries have given private assurances to provide troops, equipment, basing, supplies and other support for a war, officials said.

He accepted only with the private assurances that warlord forces be disbanded; they were never honored.

This sentiment comes despite private assurances from Morrisons that the company has finalised details of its £1.44bn consortium bid.

But he apparently accomplished with private assurances and action what he failed to promise in a public declaration.