Flexed Muscles

Because of Canada's traditionally mild manners in world affairs, foreign-policy debates in Parliament have often seemed stale and tepid. Last week's scheduled debate gave no special promise of being any exception. Less than 48 hours before he was to lead off the discussion, Lester ("Mike") Pearson, Secretary of State for External Affairs, was still in New York, at the United Nations meeting. On his way back to Ottawa he stopped off for the opening of Toronto's Royal Winter Fair. He came into Ottawa on a morning train, having written part of his speech en route; he put the finishing touches to it only a few minutes before Parliament opened.

Even in the green-carpeted Commons chamber there was no air of anticipation. Although the diplomatic corps had been told that Parliament would get its first review of Canadian foreign policy since last summer's general election, only four foreign diplomats showed up.

Policy Partnership. Secretary Pearson's speech turned out to be one of the most forthright statements of foreign policy ever made in the Canadian Parliament. In 90 minutes, he made it clear that the old Canadian policy of stringing along calmly with Britain and the U.S., developed and consistently followed by Mackenzie King, was no longer the rule under Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Canada had some strong opinions of her own and she wanted policymaking partnership with the big powers. Said Pearson: "The U.S. must . . . recognize [Canada] ... as a cooperating partner, not as a camp follower."

Pearson cited examples of current U.S.Canadian problems and hinted broadly at Canadian impatience over delays in working out solutions. Among the sorest points were the U.S. failure to iron out its air-rights agreement with Canada, and the dispute over judicial and customs rights at U.S.-leased military bases in Newfoundland (TIME, Nov. 14). Pearson also complained of the U.S. practice of barring certain Canadian visitors to the U.S. on seemingly capricious political grounds.

Facts to Face. Western governments, Pearson warned, may soon have to do business with the Communist regime in China. "We will in due course and in consultation with other friendly governments have to recognize the facts." He thought that the military occupation of Japan should be ended as quickly as possible and a peace treaty drawn up, with Canada participating. One of his most significant remarks touched on Canada's relations with Latin America. Said Pearson: "We should broaden and deepen our association with the Latin republics of this hemisphere." That was the nearest any cabinet minister had ever come to saying that Canada should join the Pan-American Union.

What effect Canada's more self-assertive foreign policy might have outside the country remained to be seen. But there was no doubt about the reaction at home. Members of Parliament thumped their desks enthusiastically. Newspapers hailed Pearson's speech as "a penetrating analysis" and "a masterly survey." For a change, Canadians clearly liked a little muscle-flexing in foreign affairs.

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