Читать книгу A Richard Rohmer Omnibus - Richard Rohmer - Страница 32

Ottawa / 9:40 p.m., EDT

The Prime Minister was looking into the baleful, inanimate eye of the television camera focused on him. His half-hour address was almost finished, and had gone well. He had begun with a review of the terms of the ultimatum and described the meetings he had held during the day and the plans for the briefing in the House of Commons the next morning, followed by the full session of Parliament.

Then he had discussed in depth the American energy crisis, explaining why it was natural gas that was the precious commodity for the United States rather than oil. He had spoken with great sympathy and understanding for the American position, and he had renewed his plea for a calm and controlled response to the United States’ action rather than the stirring up of anti-American demonstrations. Finally, he spoke forcefully of the decision to resist the sanctions which had been imposed, and reported on the decision to threaten a counter-sanction and the gains which had thus been won. Then he continued:

“The President now knows, and I hope that the American people will shortly know, that Canadians will not meekly give in to threats and intimidation.

“As we move toward the moment of decision when the Commons and the Senate sit tomorrow afternoon, it becomes more and more important to me that some mechanism be established through which as many Canadians as possible can communicate their views on the ultimatum.

“With the co-operation of the Trans Canada Telephone System, the television networks, and all private TV and radio stations across the country, we have set up a system which will enable any of you who wish to let me know directly whether you think Canada should accept or reject the ultimatum. Simply telephone any of the stations broadcasting in your local area. Switchboards are open and staff are ready to receive calls. When you are connected, do not discuss the situation; merely say ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ and then hang up. Please get off the line as quickly as possible so that others can have their opinions recorded. And of course I ask you to make only one such call.

“I ask all of the radio, television and news people in the country not to attempt to influence the poll. It would be in the best interests of Canada if the news media devoted their full attention to reporting the facts. In this way, I hope that as many people as possible will have an opportunity to make their opinions known to Parliament.

“The radio and television stations will receive calls until twelve noon tomorrow, Ottawa time. The results will then be tabulated and passed to me in the House at about three o’clock, before the close of debate, and I will be able to advise the House of the result.

“And so I urge every Canadian citizen who can do so to telephone and pass on his opinion about the ultimatum, saying either ‘accept’ or ‘reject’.

“Thank you and good-night.”