446. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk and Secretary of Defense McNamara0

SUBJECT

  • Canadian Election Campaign

During this climactic week of the Canadian election campaign it is likely that intensified efforts will be made to implicate the United States in one way or another, especially by accusing us of trying to influence [Page 1200] the outcome. The President wishes to avoid any appearance of interference, even by responding to what may appear to be untruthful, distorted, or unethical statements or actions.

Will you, therefore, please insure that no one in your Departments, in Washington or the field, says anything publicly about Canada until after the election without first clearing with the White House. This applies to all contacts with the press regardless of the degree of non-attribution.

McGeorge Bundy
  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Canada. Secret. No drafting information appears on the source text. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to the Director of USIA.