June 30, 1967
Gordon blasts American Vietnam policy
One day before his last day in the Pearson cabinet, outgoing Cabinet member Walter Gordon gave a speech strongly critical of the American policy in Vietnam. In his speech, Gordon appealed to Canadians to follow their consciences and speak out against the war. “No Canadian likes to criticize the US or the policies of its government…Sometimes mistakes are made and when this happens the US becomes committed to policies that seem to go from bad to worse. Governments, like individuals, do not like to confess to errors or to change the policies once embarked upon…Should Canadians speak out? Our should we keep silent on the grounds that it is not our affair? …It could be dangerous for us as a nation or as individuals to criticize the US government [but] whatever the reasons I believe all of us have a duty to record our concern – our growing horror if you will – over what is going on in Vietnam. If the present policy ends in disaster – our failure to speak out against what is happening will always remain on our consciences.” [1]
Gordon obliquely criticized Canada’s contribution to the war effort. “I feel sick at heart what is going on. One is constantly reminded of the bombing, the use of napalm, the policy of defoliation and the effect this must have, not only on the lives, but on the thinking of the local population.” [1][2]
Gordon even suggested that the United States may use drastic measures, including weapons of mass destruction, if victory could not be achieved by conventional means: “If left to the Vietnamese themselves it is questionable whether the civil war could be settled without more bloodshed…However it might not be any worse for the Vietnamese to be allowed to fight things out among themselves than it is to be bombed, burned and exterminated by a foreign power… If the escalation of the war continues, as seems probable, and the North Vietnamese do not give up soon, one may wonder if the United States will be driven to use nuclear bombs or to spread germs or exterminating chemicals.” [1]
Gordon’s speech drew immediate controversy, causing much chatter in the halls of Parliament. Timed on the day before Canada Day, on the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the speech was not well received by the Pearson government. The Prime Minister disavowed Gordon, saying that his views do not represent the official position of the Government of Canada.
But Gordon’s speech comes at a time when many Canadians are outraged by the reparations agreement recently reached between the United States and Canada. Protests against the agreement have been organized across the nation, from Victoria to St. Johns. Even the American exhibit at the Montreal Expo was vandalized last night by pro-Quebecois protestors, raising security concerns for the Queen’s upcoming visit. [3]