We analyze an evolutionary model with noisy pre-play communication, wh
ere the message received can differ from the message sent without the
sender being aware of this. Noise implies that an inefficient strategy
cannot push unsent messages, allowing these messages to be used by a
mutant in order to coordinate upon an efficient outcome. This ensures
that any neutrally stable strategy is efficient. Since noise restricts
drift, we also have existence of evolutionarily stable sets in a larg
er class of games than hitherto known. (C) 1998 Academic Press.