<P> A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue and presents the issuing body's philosophy on the matter . It is meant to help readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision . </P> <P> The initial British term concerning a type of government - issued document has proliferated, taking a somewhat new meaning in business . In business, a white paper is closer to a form of marketing presentation, a tool meant to persuade customers and partners and promote a product or viewpoint . White papers may be considered grey literature . </P> <P> The term white paper originated with the British government, and many point to the Churchill White Paper of 1922 as the earliest well - known example under this name . In British government it is usually the less extensive version of the so - called blue book, both terms being derived from the colour of the document's cover . </P> <P> White papers are a "...tool of participatory democracy...not (an) unalterable policy commitment ." "White papers have tried to perform the dual role of presenting firm government policies while at the same time inviting opinions upon them ." </P>

Where did the term white paper come from
find me the text answering this question