What should a record-holding country do when contacting INTERPOL regarding an inquiry?

When a record-holding country contacts INTERPOL regarding an inquiry, it is essential for them to understand the context and purpose of the inquiry. Requesting the reason for the inquiry allows for clarity on what information is needed, how it relates to ongoing investigations, or why the request was made. This not only ensures that the record-holding country can respond appropriately and in a timely manner but also facilitates better collaboration with INTERPOL. Knowing the reason for the inquiry helps streamline communication and aligns the response with INTERPOL's investigative priorities.

Meanwhile, while providing their own information might be necessary at some point, the initial step in the communication process should be to seek understanding of the request. Contacting the original document issuer may also be relevant at a later stage depending on the situation but is not the first action to take when INTERPOL reaches out. Seeking legal advice could be important in other contexts, but it does not directly pertain to the immediate inquiry from INTERPOL. Therefore, understanding the inquiry is the most logical first step for a record-holding country.