Although a variety of strategies are possible, the best way to begin would be to give some details of the sufferings of your people at home. Unpleasant though it might seem, in these circumstances it is in your interest to paint the gloomiest possible picture which is consistent with the facts. But exaggeration would be a mistake; remember that the Secretary of State wants to cut costs, and if she detects that you are not being entirely truthful you will have given her a reasonable pretext for refusing aid. Preferably, then, the details should be given without rhetorical flourishes. If you stick to the plain facts and you are turned down, you can always deploy emotional rhetoric in a press conference in the hope that public pressure will force the government to act.

Since the Secretary of State is a 'realist', you should dwell on any aspects of the situation which affect British interests. Could there be a refugee problem which threatens to unsettle the whole region, perhaps including countries which enjoy warmer relations with Britain? Could Europe as a whole face a sudden increase in applicants for political asylum, many of whom would actually be fleeing from economic troubles but all of whom would be difficult to turn down given that the fact that there is a civil war?

This speech might in itself persuade the Secretary of State. But possibly she will reply that, although she understands the situation, the government is not in a position to be generous. In return, you could use your last remaining cards (after all, there is nothing to lose!). Have other countries agreed to make contributions? If so, you might hint very delicately that it is not in Britain's interests to look penny-pinching when other states have responded to the humanitarian crisis. If not, as a last resort, you could gently suggest a way in which Britain could boost its international reputation. Without making any concrete proposals, you could say that the food shortage has persuaded your government to look again at the arguments being advanced by the separatist rebels. If Britain was prepared to overlook past differences, you might say, you would suggest to your government that talks could be held with the rebels (you might even hint that the Secretary of State herself might be invited to join these discussions). In any case, you might say that you are aware of failings in the government of your country in recent years, and this crisis might result in reforms which would allow it to make a more constructive contribution to the world community in the future.

If your country is fortunate enough to possess vital raw materials (oil, uranium etc), this last point should have a very strong impact on a 'realist'!