Pearson Rebukes de Gaulle

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31540, 30 November 1967, Page 15

Pearson Rebukes de Gaulle

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) OTTAWA, November 29. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Lester Pearson, yesterday described President de Gaulle’s latest statement on Canada as an “intolerable” intervention in the domestic affairs of Canada.

He told an applauding House of Commons that the future of Canadian confederation would be decided in Canada by Canadians. “It is intolerable that a foreign Head of State or Govern-

ment should recommend a course of political or constitutional action which would destroy confederation and the unity of our State,” he said. Mr Pearsoh’s statement was the first major reaction by the Canadian Government to the President’s press conference on Monday, when he predicted that Quebec would reach the level of a State, “sovereign and master of its existence.” He agreed with the President that the Canadian Constitution must be brought up to date. He also agreed that the Federal Government should promote special close cultural relations with France and other French-speaking countries. There was no argument on this point, he said, “except with those who would use those relations to destroy the Federal Government’s responsibility for foreign affairs.” Mr Pearson concluded by quoting extensively from a speech made by President de Gaulle in 1960 praising Canada as a solid and stable State. ./