868.00/10–3150
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs (Higgs)
| Participants: | Mr. W. D. Matthews, Minister, Canadian Embassy |
| Mr. B. A. Wallis, Second Secretary | |
| EE—Mr. Higgs | |
| EE—Mr. Truesdell |
Mr. Matthews called at his request and referring to the request of the United States on October 24, 19501 presented the position of the Canadian Government as to participation in a program of emergency assistance to Yugoslavia.
He said that Foreign Minister Pearson had considered the various elements of the problem and come to the conclusion that it would be [Page 1490] impossible at the present time to obtain approval of the Canadian Government of any gift or loan to Yugoslavia. Mr. Matthews explained that as a wheat producing country with limited means Canada, would not be well advised to participate in this program since it would set a precedent with respect to providing relief to any needy country the world over. He said, however, that it was his personal opinion that the Canadian Government could join in assistance to Yugoslavia if Canada were a member of a group such as an organ of the United Nations. He said that the matter had not been put to the cabinet in view of these overriding considerations.
Mr. Higgs suggested that should the Yugoslav Government sign a MDAP bilateral agreement and the matter be placed before the NATO it might be possible for Canada to participate through that mechanism. Mr. Matthews stated that should a larger group of nations join in assisting the Yugoslavs he was sure the Canadian Government would reconsider. He pointed out that Canada was a small nation and that its contributions of this character had to be limited to a very small field. He said that the United States was much better qualified, especially in the practical sense to handle a matter such as this. For the immediate future, therefore, Mr. Matthews stated that Canada should not be considered a member of the group planning assistance to Yugoslavia but that the Canadian Government would appreciate any information on the situation as it develops. Mr. Higgs agreed to provide information to the Canadian Embassy and stated that any information which the Canadian Government could furnish also would be appreciated. He mentioned in particular the cooperation of the Canadian Mission in Belgrade. Mr. Matthews stated that this Mission consisted of two officers and a Service Attaché who were at the present time more than fully occupied with current business.
Mr. Matthews again reviewed the Canadian position emphasizing that Canadian participation in relief programs such as that for Yugoslavia would result in that small country going beyond its means. Mr. Higgs mentioned in passing the problem faced by the United States Government in view of the needs of India and other countries similarly situated. Mr. Wallis agreed to call at the Department from time to time to furnish any information which might be of interest to the United States and to obtain such information as might be of general interest to his government.