White Paper - Definition and Overview

A white paper is a government report outlining policy or authoritative report on a major issue.

In Commonwealth countries, it is the informal name for a parliamentary paper. In the United Kingdom they are (normally a "Command paper") issued by the government and laying out its policy, or proposed policy, on a topic of current concern. Although a white paper may occasion consultation as to the details of new legislation, it does signify a clear intention on the part of a government to pass new law. By contrast, green papers, which are issued less frequently, are more open-ended and may merely propose a strategy to be implemented in the details of other legislation.

Over time, white papers have come to refer to documents that argue non-governmental positions as well. For example, many white papers today espouse the benefits of particular technologies and products.

Famous white papers

• In Place of Strife (1969)
• The White Paper to abolish the Indian Act in Canada and recognize First Nations as the same as other minorities in Canada, rather than a distinct group (1969, cancelled in 1971)
• White Paper of 1939 calling for the creation of a unified Palestinian State with limited Jewish immigration and limited ability to purchase land. Affirmed the British promise for a Jewish center, but not an official state for its people.