Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E-15, Part 2, Documents on Western Europe, 1973–1976, Second, Revised Edition

107. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹

Washington, June 5, 1973.

SUBJECT

• Reply to Prime Minister Trudeau

Attached at Tab A is a suggested reply to a May 29 message (Tab B) from Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau concerning Canada’s participation in the Vietnam International Commission for Control and Supervision.

Trudeau formally advised you that the Canadians have decided to pull out of the Vietnam ICCS but to delay the deadline for their departure from June 30 to July 31. Although Trudeau avoids a full explanation for this decision, he notes that the decisive element was Canada’s 19 year history of cease-fire supervision in Vietnam. He adds that the only criticism implied by this decision is a lack of good faith by the Vietnamese parties in abiding by the Agreement and states that the ICCS “got off to as good a start as circumstances permitted.”

Your reply at Tab A expresses deep regret at the Canadian decision but notes our appreciation of Canada’s constructive role in the ICCS and willingness to participate until July 31.

Dave Gergen concurs.

Recommendation:

That you sign the letter to Prime Minister Trudeau at Tab A.

1. Summary: Kissinger forwarded a letter from Trudeau concerning the Canadian decision to withdraw from the ICCS.

   Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 750, Canada, Trudeau, corres. (1969–1973) (1 of 1). No classification marking. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, a signed June 8 letter from Nixon to Trudeau; and Tab B, an undated message from Trudeau to Nixon. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Iran subsequently agreed to fill the position vacated by Canada on the ICCS.