come to grips with the reasonable demands of the United States for a commitment on the gas of the Arctic Islands or a continental energy agreement. Despite our eagerness to work out a plan which would be to the benefit of all Canadians, Americans and American industry are now facing an intolerable situation because of the inability of departments of the Canadian government to work with each other.
“Canada is a country which has long been regarded as a friendly trading and cultural partner of the United States. Most of its major manufacturing industries are subsidiaries of multi-national U.S.-controlled firms, and most of its resource industries, including minerals such as nickel and iron, which are essential to the United States, are controlled by American interests. Furthermore, much of the high standard of living enjoyed by the Canadian people must be directly credited to their favoured position as the first and largest trading partner of the United States.
“Under all these circumstances, it is not unreasonable for you and me as American citizens to expect, when we are suffering from a shortage of a commodity which the Canadians have in abundance, that they should adopt an open-handed policy.
“I have referred earlier to the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. I must now tell you that approximately ten days ago I was informed that acts of sabotage were occurring along the pipeline route. Let me give you the background.
“When large-scale oil development began in Alaska, almost a decade ago, the United States government recognized the legitimate demands of the native people to a share in the natural wealth of their land. We made a settlement with the native people of $500-million in cash, and 40-million acres of land. And we provided an additional $500-million to come from a 2% royalty on all the gas and oil production from Prudhoe Bay. This was a fair and a just settlement.
“Unfortunately, despite our strong recommendations, the Canadian government has refused to settle justly and fairly with their native peoples. Even now, as the Mackenzie Valley line nears completion, no settlement of any kind has taken place. As a result, the radicals within the native peoples’ organizations have begun to blow up the pipeline.
“There is little the Canadian government can do to prevent these acts of sabotage, and it is clear that in American interests as well as Canadian a settlement must be reached at once.
“And so, my fellow Americans, time has run out in our negotiations with Canada. The United States can no longer tolerate either a failure or a refusal by Canada to come to terms concerning natural gas and to settle their problems with their own people so that gas can be delivered to meet American needs. I am sure none of you would wish me to be harsh or vindictive with the Canadian government. On the other hand, it is my responsibility as your President to press the United States’ case in the most direct and forthright manner.
“In the face of this emergency, I have been forced to take strong action. After receiving advice from the leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and after conferring with the Chief Justice of the United States, I took the following steps at nine o’clock this morning.…”
As the President described the ultimatum he had given to the Prime Minister, Porter was rapidly making notes. His colleagues sat watching the President transfixed. Some scribbled short notes which were passed up to the Prime Minister. No one spoke.
Now there was no way back. The President had informed his people and the world that the U.S. demands would have to be met.
The President was moving to the conclusion of his address. “I have stipulated that unconditional, affirmative answers must be given to each of these three requirements no later than six o’clock tomorrow evening. We have prepared a series of economic sanctions which can be invoked against Canada should our reasonable ultimatum be refused. My fellow Americans, it is in your interests and in the interests of stopping this needless suffering by our people that I am fully prepared to impose such sanctions should it be necessary.
“In order to demonstrate our firm resolve in this matter, I have instructed the appropriate government officials that as of twelve noon today an embargo should be placed on the transfer of any funds by United States persons or corporations into Canada. This includes the lending of money, the purchase of shares or securities, or any other method of investment. Canada needs these monies from the United States in order to survive economically. By the same token, the United States needs access to the Arctic Islands natural gas in order to survive economically and physically. The principle is the same in both cases — survival.
“In conclusion I wish to say to the Canadian people that the United States wishes none of you individually any harm whatsoever. If there is any difference between us, it is not between our peoples but rather between our respective governments. Americans deeply regret that you must now be called upon to suffer for the ineptitude and stubbornness of an inflexible and unimaginative bureaucracy which has your new federal government paralyzed by its incompetence.
“And to the world I say that the United States and Canada must resolve this crisis between us. Interference or involvement by other nations is unnecessary and unacceptable.
“My fellow Americans, this great nation, the finest country in the world and the largest and most powerful, was founded and lives upon the fundamental principles of liberty and justice for all. I am sure that you will want me to maintain those principles in our dealings with Canada over the next few hours, but I want each of you to understand that I have first in mind the health and well-being of every American citizen. The interests of the United States and its citizens must be upheld.
“Thank you, and good afternoon.”
Someone on the Prime Minister’s right muttered, “Bullshit!”
Ottawa / 12:42 p.m., EDT
For a few moments after the first outburst, there was silence in the Cabinet chamber. Then bedlam broke loose. Everyone was talking at once.
The Prime Minister sat, oblivious to the noise around him, rapidly making notes. Abruptly he got up and left the room, followed by Senator Thomas. Cries of “Give him hell, Bob” and “Don’t submit to blackmail” followed him as he went out the door.
As he reached the Conference room, he was met by Tom Scott, who reported that everything was set. The conference table had been moved toward one end of the room opposite the TV camera and a chair placed behind it so the Prime Minister would be facing the camera with a panelled wall as background.
The producer, Al Price, who had covered many of the Prime Minister’s speeches, was well known to Porter. They exchanged greetings.
Price said, “Would you sit over here, sir? We’ve got the camera set up to cover you face on. You can put your notes on the table in front of you.” He led the Prime Minister around behind the long conference table and slipped a neck microphone over his head. Porter sat down and glanced at his notes.
“How much time do we have?”
“You’re on in thirty seconds, sir.”
The cameraman and the other two crewmen, who had been muttering among themselves, quieted down. The Prime Minister took off his glasses, and with an automatic motion put them in his left shirt pocket. He sat up a little straighter and looked the camera in the eye. He was ready.
Al Price held up his outspread hand. “Five seconds.” At the final cue, he pointed to the Prime Minister.
“The President of the United States has just informed the American people — and those in Canada who were able to see or hear him — of the ultimatum which he presented to me and the government of Canada this morning.
“Originally
