Helping poor relations? (7)

I believe the answer is:

detente

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'relations?' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Relaxed relations ' mean 'detente' so perhaps 'relations' could also mean 'detente')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for detente that I've seen before include "relaxation" , "Easing of hostility between countries" , "Easing of international tension" , "peace during hostilities" , "Easing of international hostility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.

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