Canada In World Affairs Research Articles

Pierre Trudeau on His Foreign Policy

In the summer of 1988, Robert Bothwell and Jack Granatstein were pursuing their research for the final volume in the Canadian Institute of International Affairs' series Canada in World Affairs. As the concluding volume in the long-lived series, the ordinary two-year time span was abandoned; instead, the book was to cover the 1968 to 1984 period, or, in other words, all of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's foreign policy (as well as the Joe Clark interregnum). Moreover, it had been many years since the preceding volumes had appeared. This delay gave us the opportunity to make use of a wider range of sources than in most ofthe earlier volumes, and we secured access to a very broad spectrum of government and private papers. We also conducted dozens of interviews.1 But we had not been able to arrange interview with until Ivan Head, his key foreign policy adviser for much of his time in power, graciously intervened to set up a meeting for us. Unfortunately, Bothwell was in France on the selected date, which could not be changed, and Granatstein conducted the interview alone.As was our regular practice, Granatstein took notes during the rather than using a tape recorder. Immediately after the interview, he typed up a memorandum, not a transcript, ofthe discussion. This memorandum, cited as Trudeau conversation and used as a source in Pirouette: Pierre and Canadian Foreign Policy, is reproduced below with minor stylistic and grammatical corrections. The original memorandum can also be found in Bothwell' s papers in the University of Toronto archives and in the Granatstein fonds the York University archives, along with memoranda of all the interviews conducted for the book.PIERRE TRUDEAU INTERVIEW, MONTREAL, 30 JUNE 1988I met with Mr and Ivan Head over lunch the Ritz Carlton Hotel from 12:15 to 2 p.m. The understanding is that while everything is on the record, this is to be treated as a conversation, not as interview.Trudeau was dressed in a suit and tie, looked 15 years younger than his age (though he has liver spots on his hands and face), and he was sharp and tough. His answers could wander, however, he could forget questions, and he could get confused. Head had to help him out a few times, and once (see below), he went quite astray. He is quite vain, proud of his accomplishments, and not happy about criticism.We began with some discussion of the Donald Jamieson diary of the October 1970 crisis that I edited for Saturday Night (and L'actualite). pointed out that Jamieson was away during the critical period and didn't know much about Quebec in any case, though he was a good fellow. As for himself, he hoped the story ofthe October Crisis would come out.I asked about the question of Quebec-France relations and France's improper activities. There was nothing secret about this, he said. Whenever we found out they were doing something (like the efforts in Canada of Philippe Rossillon [a quasi-official representative from de Gaulle's committees for the promotion of the French language]), he had made a public crack about it. Certainly in his view there was little difference between France under Presidents de Gaulle, Pompidou, or Giscard, though it was different with Mitterrand. Giscard was sympathetic to the separatists because he needed Gaullist votes. He had long talks with Giscard about this, and as far as he could tell his support was a political concession rather than a plot. The Gaullists were always plotting to get Quebec out as far as possible. He recalled a story about Gerard Pelletier being told by a very senior French minister the UN the time ofthe 1984 election that at last you may have a French Canadian as Prime Minister, meaning Brian Mulroney. Pelletier said, What about Trudeau? The answer was that was an Anglo with a French name - and this, said, after 16 years in power.To Trudeau, the French were shit disturbers, playing safe in case the separatists won their referendum so they could say they had been there to help. …

Canada in World Affairs

A legacy ofthe Canadian Institute of International Affairs (CIIA) that still rewards scholars, students, and others is the incomplete and defunct series, Canada World Affairs. Readers invariably learn more about Canada's past external relations, particularly how policies and events were understood by contemporaries. Beyond their value recalling parliamentary, press, and public opinion, these books have been distinguished by their analytical quality. Evaluations by historians, political scientists, economists, and one professor of international law, written with a view to timely publication - an often elusive goal - have shaped interpretations or simply provided distinct insights. Before commenting on individual volumes, it is important to put this ambitious project its context and to consider its demise.While the CIIA honoured its mandate of public education, collaborating with the Royal Institute of International Affairs, the League of Nations Society, and the Institute of Pacific Relations, its major publishing endeavours began a decade after its founding when it published Canada Looks Abroad by R. A. MacKay and E. B. Rogers, and Canada Today by F. R. Scott.1 Also 1938, its research committee approved a project modelled on the Royal Institute's A Survey of International Affairs.2 Neither Canada Looks Abroad nor Canada Today was part ofthe subsequent series, but those books, along with Canada and the Law ofNationsby Norman MacKenzie and Lionel Laing, were regarded by the research committee and by the initial authors as the foundation upon which Canada World Affairs was constructed.3Canada World Affairs was never the CIIAs only publication. In 1939, books and pamphlets became available under the banner Contemporary Affairs.4 One year later, still before Canada World Affairs debuted, Behind the Headlines was begun. After occasional reinventions, it was recently discontinued by the Canadian International Council. The CIIA also published unique works, including The Military Problems of Canada by C. P. Stacey, among numerous specialized studies.5 In 1946, International Journal, which became its flagship publication, was distributed to CIIA members and other interested readers Canada and abroad. Over the years, International Journal has established a deserved reputation for excellent scholarship and informed commentary on diverse subjects, often thoroughly examined thematic issues, relevant to Canada's international relations. It seems apt to assess Canada World Affairs its pages.The fate of Canada World Affairs was linked to that of the Canadian Annual Review of Public Affairs (1901-38), which resurfaced 1961 as the Canadian Annual Review of Politics and Public Affairs, with a chapter devoted to Canadian foreign and defence policies. The first volume ofthe revived series covered events the year before publication, an accomplishment that continued until the account of 1972 was published 1974.6 That coverage and promptness challenged the unique contribution of Canada World Affairs, particularly as its later authors consulted the Canadian Annual Review (and the relevant chapters ofthe reviews for i960 to 1965 inclusive were written by former authors from Canada World Affairs).7 There remained a role for analysis spanning more than a year, but it was difficult still to regard the CIIAs series as indispensable. It also was afflicted by performance problems with designated authors and the economics of Canadian scholarly publishing. Several books were written by substitutes enlisted when an earlier choice, for personal or professional reasons, failed to produce. By 1973, the CIIAs situation was verging on disastrous terms of membership and finances, with an unfortunate but likely inevitable impact on the viability of its ambitious publishing program.8The CIIA tempted fate with volume 13, when it listed future authors and periods. Of those then listed as in preparation, none ever appeared. …

Courting War over a Rubber Stamp

The establishment of the Berlin Wall was one of the seminal moments of the Cold War. Not only did the wall serve as the most powerful symbol of the protracted conflict, but its erection was one of the few occasions in which a hot war appeared imminent. Construction on the Berliner Mauer began on 13 August 1 961, marking the beginning of the indefinite period that has become known as the Berlin Wall crisis. Although Berlin was technically under the purview of the occupation powers, the other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries had a vested interest in the status of Berlin because of the strategic and symbolic significance of the divided city. Canada was no exception, as was demonstrated by the active and leading role the country played within the western alliance during the crisis, displaying a commitment to Cold War collective security.The Progressive Conservative government of John G. Diefenbaker set forth its policy in two major public addresses-a speech on ? September to the Canadian Bar Association and in the opening statement to the fall session of the house of commons on 7 September. It will be argued here that the Canadian government arrived at a firm, balanced, and constructive response to the crisis: a commitment to allied rights in Berlin and the resolve to use force to defend them if necessary-including an increase in Canada's military capabilities-while exhibiting a willingness to negotiate and involve the United Nations. Although this approach represented a blending of Diefenbaker's and the Department of External Affairs' views-with the input of Escott Reid, Canadian ambassador to West Germany-the final shape and tone of the policy was ultimately determined by Diefenbaker.This article will take the form of an in tra- govern mental deci s ion- making history, charting the evolution of Canadian policy from 13 August to 7 September 1 9 61. This requires examining the discussions within and between Diefenbaker's cabinet and the Department of External Affairs (DEA). The latter sought to chart a course emphasizing negotiations-what could be termed a more conciliatory response-while Diefenbaker favoured a response that underlined negotiations with an ability to respond militarily.The relevant sources are therefore the files of the Department of External Affairs, cabinet conclusions, and the Diefenbaker prime ministerial papers. Unfortunately, the Diefenbaker prime ministerial papers (including the personal and confidential series) reveal virtually nothing about Diefenbaker's rationale or discussions within the prime minister's office and the Progressive Conservative government. The cabinet conclusions, however, do provide some insight into the thought processes of the government, while the External Affairs papers reveal a great deal about that department's opinions.Diefenbaker's memoirs have little to say about the Berlin crisis, which is surprising given that it appears to be one of the highlights of his foreign policy record. The majority of secondary sources covering Canadian international activities in 19 61 either briefly mention the Berlin Wall crisis, or omit it entirely. Basil Robinson served as the liaison between the PMO and External Affairs, and his study of Diefenbaker's foreign policy, Diefenbaker's World: A Populist in Foreign Affairs, is the most revealing secondary source concerning the 1961 crisis. Itis virtually the only source that delves into the evolution of the Canadian position to any extent. Peyton V Lyon's Canada in World Affairs, 19 61-19 63 ^s also useful, occupying a unique position as a qua si- primary source, since it was published in 1968, and the author interviewed a number of individuals involved. Both Lyon and Robinson identify the government's response as a positive one, and this study shares their assessment of the final policy. However, Lyon's contribution does not adequately explore the intra-governmental policy formulation process that took place in August, while Robinson's evaluation does not sufficiently credit Diefenbaker's role. …

Review: Miscellany: Canada in World Affairs 1971–1973

Review: Miscellany: Canada in World Affairs 1971–1973

Canada in World Affairs. Vol. 17: 1971-1973Peter C. Dobell Toronto: Canadian Institute of International Affairs, 1985, pp. xii, 471

Canada in World Affairs. Vol. 17: 1971-1973Peter C. Dobell Toronto: Canadian Institute of International Affairs, 1985, pp. xii, 471

Canada and the United States: Twenty-Five Years of Economic Relations

A particular problem for Canada was the ambivalent nature of her relationship with the United States. Canadians were anxious to maintain, at the same time, full political independence and a close military alliance with the United States. They insisted upon economic independence, but they wanted the benefits of American participation in the development of their economy. Richard Preston, Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961

Review: Canada: Canada in World Affairs 1963–1965

Review: Canada: Canada in World Affairs 1963–1965

Canada in World Affairs, Vol. 13, 1963–1965 Charlotte S. M. Girard Toronto: Canadian Institute of International Affairs, 1980, pp. xi, 372

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Canada in World Affairs. Vol. XIII: 1963–1965 and The Maple Leaf and the White Eagle: Canadian-Polish relations, 1918–1978

Journal Article Canada in World Affairs. Vol. XIII: 1963–1965 and The Maple Leaf and the White Eagle: Canadian-Polish relations, 1918–1978 Get access Canada in World Affairs. Vol. XIII: 1963–1965. By Charlotte S. M. Girard. Toronto: Canadian Institute of International Affairs. 1980. 372 pp. $27.00. Pb: $10.00The Maple Leaf and the White Eagle: Canadian-Polish relations, 1918–1978. By Aloysius Balawyder. New York: Columbia University Press for East European Monographs, Boulder, Col. 1980. 300 pp. $25.00 H. S. Ferns H. S. Ferns 1University of Birmingham Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar International Affairs, Volume 57, Issue 3, Summer 1981, Page 528, https://doi.org/10.2307/2619628 Published: 01 July 1981

Canada in World Affairs: Vol. X: 1957–1959 and Canada in World Affairs: Vol. XII: 1961–1963

Canada in World Affairs: Vol. X: 1957–1959 and Canada in World Affairs: Vol. XII: 1961–1963

Canada in World Affairs: From UN to NATO 1946–1949 and Canada in World Affairs: 1949–1950

Canada in World Affairs: From UN to NATO 1946–1949 and Canada in World Affairs: 1949–1950

Canada in World Affairs. Volume X, 1957–1959, by <italic>Trevor Lloyd;</italic> Volume XII, 1961–1963, by <italic>Peyton V. Lyon</italic>. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1968; 1968. Pp. vi, 253; x, 555. $7.50; $10.00

Journal Article Canada in World Affairs. Volume X, 1957–1959, by Trevor Lloyd; Volume XII, 1961–1963, by Peyton V. Lyon. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1968; 1968. Pp. vi, 253; x, 555. $7.50; $10.00 Get access Canada in World Affairs. Volume X, 1957–1959, by Lloyd; Trevor Volume XII, 1961–1963, by Lyon Peyton V.. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1968; 1968. Pp. vi, 253; x, 555. $7.50; $10.00.) Murray G. Lawson Murray G. Lawson Washington, D. C. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The American Historical Review, Volume 74, Issue 5, June 1969, Pages 1756–1757, https://doi.org/10.1086/ahr/74.5.1756 Published: 01 June 1969

Canada in World Affairs

Canada in World Affairs

Peyton V. Lyon, Canada in World Affairs, Volume XII, 1961–1963. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1968, pp. x, 555. Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

Peyton V. Lyon, Canada in World Affairs, Volume XII, 1961–1963. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1968, pp. x, 555. Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

Canada in World Affairs 1959–1961, L'Entrée du Canada sur la Scène Internationale (1919–1927), Neighbors Taken for Granted: Canada and the United States and Canada's Role as a Middle Power: Papers given at the Third Annual Banff Conference on World Development, August 1965

Journal Article Canada in World Affairs 1959–1961, L'Entrée du Canada sur la Scène Internationale (1919–1927), Neighbors Taken for Granted: Canada and the United States and Canada's Role as a Middle Power: Papers given at the Third Annual Banff Conference on World Development, August 1965 Get access Canada in World Affairs 1959–1961. By Richard A. Preston. Toronto, London: Oxford University Press (Canadian Branch) for the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. 1966. 300 pp. Index. (Canada in World Affairs, Vol. XI.) 48s.L'Entrée du Canada sur la Scène Internationale (1919–1927). By Claude Le Gris. Preface by John W. Holmes. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France. 1966. 93 pp. Bibliog. 6 F.Neighbors Taken for Granted: Canada and the United States. Ed. by Livingstone T. Merchant. Foreword by Francis O. Wilcox. New York, Washington: Praeger for the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University; Toronto: Burns & MacEachern; London: Pall Mall. 1966. 166 pp. $4.95. C$6. 42s.Canada's Role as a Middle Power: Papers given at the Third Annual Banff Conference on World Development, August 1965. Ed. by J. King Gordon. Ontario: Canadian Institute of International Affairs. 1966. 212 pp. (Contemporary Affairs No. 35.) $3.50. Paperback: $2. H. S. Ferns H. S. Ferns Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar International Affairs, Volume 43, Issue 2, April 1967, Pages 414–415, https://doi.org/10.2307/2614417 Published: 01 April 1967

Canada in World Affairs. Volume XI, 1959 TO 1961. By <italic>Richard A. Preston</italic>. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1965. Pp. x, 300. $6.00.)

Canada in World Affairs. Volume XI, 1959 TO 1961. By Richard A. Preston. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1965. Pp. x, 300. $6.00.) Canada in World Affairs. Volume XI, 1959 TO 1961. By Preston Richard A.. [Published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.] (New York: Oxford University Press. 1965. Pp. x, 300. $6.00.) John T. Saywell John T. Saywell York University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The American Historical Review, Volume 72, Issue 3, April 1967, Pages 1126–1127, https://doi.org/10.1086/ahr/72.3.1126 Published: 01 April 1967

Canada in World Affairs. Volume XI, 1959 To 1961

Canada in World Affairs. Volume XI, 1959 To 1961

Book Review: Canada: Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961

Book Review: Canada: Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961

Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961. Canada in World Affairs Series, published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, Volume XI

Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961. Canada in World Affairs Series, published under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, Volume XI

Canada in World Affairs, October 1955 to June 1957

Canada in World Affairs, October 1955 to June 1957. By James Eayrs. Toronto: Oxford University Press, under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. 1959. Pp. x, 291. $4.00. - Volume 26 Issue 4