Problems for Pearson
CHINA, URANIUM AND THE OAS.
By Philip Scott
TORONTO == Recent events in Panama have pushed to the fore. once again the question of Canadats participation in the OAS LOrganization of American States], . Under prodding from Washington, External Affairs Minister Paul Martin stated that the Canadian government is carefully reviewing the matter.
Advocates of membership have carried the line that Canada could mediate between American investment interests -~- which they present as at times awkward but essentially well-meaning -~ and the rebellious peoples of Latin America, whom, they suggest, really don't understand their northern neighbour,
Opponents of Canadian membership in the OAS, prominent even in Conservative circles, argue that the lines are so drawn in the organization that Canada could only be exposed as a shameless apologist and front for U.S. policies in Latin America, And what would this do to the Canadian image that both Liberal and Tory governments have seduously fostered on the international arena -- interpreter between London and rebellious colonials, the veritable cement of the Commonwealth -and mediator on the much more vital plane, between the major protagonists themselves: Washington and Moscow?
The leadership of Canadats labor party -= the New Democratic party -- are currently standing silent on the sidelines. The draft ‘program they presented to the party's founding convention in 1961 urged Canadian membership in the OAS. Occasionally, accepting the evidence provided by some of their opponents as to the essential character of
per
such alliances, they argue ‘from their position of commitment to the “democratic West" on the plane of power politics, The alliances are. a fact and -- like capitalism which they maintain can be reformed ~they are for reform from within in the field of capitalism's international politics, This pro-OAS clause was dropped, however, in order to..concentrate maximum force for the defeat of the powerful anti-~NATO sympathies amongst the delegates,
Prime Minister Lester B, Pearson's scheduled trip to Washington’ is undoubtedly associated with the pressure from the State Department to get Canada into the OAS. The White House, it is reported, also . wants to get his impressions of de Gaulle's course in foreign policy: after his talks with the general recently in Paris, Another topic may be Canadian uranium sales to France,
On the latter subject, Pearson told newsmen that he saw no incon= sistency between sales of uranium and. Canadats policy of opposing the spread of nuclear armaments,
This is consistent with his inability to see any contradiction between his proclaimed opposition to the spread of nuclear arms and his government's acceptance of them from the U.S. on New Year's eve, He replied to questions then with the statement that this did not constitute a further spread of nuclear arms because the U.S, retained control of them.
The last of the uranium mines in Canada are in danger of closing due to lack of orders, Pearson admitted that this was an important factor when he said that if nuclear disarmament were achieved all nations would have to accept economic setbacks, Since disarmament is not on the agenda, he does not intend to let his demagogic opposition ‘to nuclear arms in any way handicap Canadats trade position ~~ business before principles (particularly those not held too strongly) is obviously his motto,
At the same conference he informed newsmen that Canada is weigh~— ing the advisability of continuing the policy of not recognizing China, External Affairs Minister Paul Martin told newsmen that the Canadian government's policy is to encourage interdependence rather than isolation ih East-West relations, These cautious statements may well be the opening maneuvers in a series which will culminate in recognition,
For some years a sizeable portion of the Canadian population have opposed the policy of refusing to recognize the reality of the People's Republic of China. More important to the business=supported government is the adverse effect this policy has had on trade with China. The latter's wheat purchases, topped off by those of the USSR, which eased off the glut in Prairie granaries, have no doubt whetted other appetites.
: Canadian government officials made these statements as France decided to recognize China, Although some U.S. interests favor a softer line on China, the U.S. government opposes all such rapprochement. They are afraid the actions of France and Canada may result in
similar actions by other nations leading ultimately to China's admis= sion to the United Nations and a defeat for the U.S. government! s whole policy on this question,
Very shortly the Canadian government may make a series of decisions: to sell uranium to France, thus antagonizing the U.S.State | Department, and to recognize China, antagonizing the southern neighbor still further, The two decisions would partially solve mounting economic problems, At the same time, Pearson may well soften the blow by agreeing to join the OAS, Through this balancing act, the Canadian bourgeoisie may count on maintaining the carefully cultivated appear ance of independence,
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