address a note

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of 'address a note" in the following sentence(in relation to each literal meaning of "address" and "note')?

In its own earlier diplomatic relations with Asia, the American government had always insisted upon equality of commercial privileges for all nations. However, idealism in American foreign policy was at odds with the desire to compete with Europe's imperial powers in the Far East. In September 1899 Secretary of State John Hay addressed a note to the powers concerned, resulting in the doctrine of the "Open Door" for all nations in China -- that is, equality of trading opportunities (including equal tariffs, harbor duties and railway rates) in the areas they controlled. Despite its idealistic component, the "Open Door," in essence, became a diplomatic maneuver to gain the advantages of a colony without the necessity of wresting one from the Chinese.

[bernardo]

"note" can mean a letter or massage;

"address" means "speak to" (or write to)

So "address a note" means "write a letter".

"To address" usually means "to write an address on the envelope" but in general terms it can mean "to speak to, to prepare a speech, to prepare a formal communication"