361. Letter From President Eisenhower to Prime Minister St. Laurent 1

Dear Mr. Prime Minister: Since Governor Adams’ letter to you of January fifteenth,2 he has proceeded with the course of action there outlined to evaluate for me the problem about which you wrote to me concerning the impact of our surplus disposal program on your western wheat producers. An oral report has been given to your Ambassador here for transmittal to you.

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A review of the transactions involving our foreign sales of wheat last year and those projected for this year has been made and has been discussed with me. In turn, I have given instructions to communicate my deep concern in the matter to United States representatives who participate with Canadian officials in periodic conferences on wheat export problems. In addition, my recognition of the complex nature of this problem is being brought to the attention of our Council on Foreign Economic Policy.

Needless to say, I am keenly interested in working toward our essential goals in this field with the fullest possible consideration of its impact on Canada. It may be unreasonable to hope that disagreement will be eliminated from all areas in which Canada is affected by our emergency surplus disposal program, but I want you to know that it is the intention of all of us here to reduce to a minimum the points at which our respective interests diverge.

We shall continue to keep your representatives informed through normal channels of developments in our surplus disposal program and will, I assure you, be prepared to review with Canadian officials those aspects of our policy which appear to jeopardize Canadian interests.

Sincerely,3

  1. Source: Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 64 D 174. No classification marking. Delivered by the Embassy in Ottawa on February 11. (Despatch 648 from Ottawa, February 11; ibid., Central Files, 742.13/2–1157)
  2. In his letter, Sherman Adams acknowledged, for the President, the receipt of St. Laurent’s January 11 letter, supra. He expressed agreement with the Canadian Ambassador, when the latter delivered the Prime Minister’s letter, that a review of U.S. wheat sales affecting Canada should be made. (Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 64 D 174)
  3. Printed from an unsigned copy.