Pearson To Visit Britain, U.S. Soon

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30110, 19 April 1963, Page 9

Pearson To Visit Britain, U.S. Soon

(N .ZJ>.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

OTTAWA, April 18. Canada’s Prime Minister-designate, Mr Lester Pearson, is expected in London before the end of the month to confer with the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan).

He said last night, after accepting the GovernorGeneral’s Invitation to form a government, that he also hopes to visit Washington within the next few weeks to confer with President Kennedy The Washington visit would be either Late this month or early in May, depending on the President’s schedule, be said. The Liberal Party leader said he had been in touch with Mr Macmillan informally within the Last two days. Mr Macmillan “hoped to have a talk about things indicated during the election that 1 was going to do.” 14th Prime Minister

Mr Peareon. winner of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize, will be Canada's 14th Prime Minister and the fifth from the Liberal Party. He plans to be sworn m with his Cabinet ministers on Monday, when the resignation of the outgoing Conservative Prime Minister (Mr Diefenbaker) takes effect. Mr Pearson said in his election campaign that he would seek a meeting with Mr Macmillan to discuss political and economic relations and “ideas for joint action to promote freer trade.”

With Mr Kennedy he will discuss “our joint responsibility m partners in the defence of this continent and as members of the Atlantic coalition." No Working Majority The Liberals won IM seats in the April 8 election—four

short of a working majority. However, the leader of the Social Credit Party (Mr Robert “niompson) last night promised support for the Liberals without specific demands or conditions attached. “This is not a blank cheque," Mr Thompson said in an interview at hia home in Red Deer. Alberta. “But we don't intend to give the Liberals any excuse to call an election.”

He added: “We make no demands. We will continue to support the Liberal Government as long as It bring* in sound legislation. ” Although Mr Thompson ts the nominal leader at the party, the Quebec faction, led by the fiery French-Canadian, Mr Real Caouette. wields great influence. having accounted for 20 of the 24 seats won by Social Credit in the election. Mr Peareon said he expected the new session of Parliament to begin on May 16.