4 January 1951: The View From Rome

The Canadian Ambassador to Italy Jean Désy also has thoughts on how best to organize in the event of war with the Soviets. His main concern is with the political and psychological effects, and he is worried about sharing any plans publically: “as much harm has been done in recent months by irresponsible declarations and communiqués as by military errors of judgment and diplomatic faux-pas.” There needs to be an increased emphasis on negotiation and collaboration especially in the UN but the Canadians should not commit themselves to operations that they cannot sustain. Much of the document is worried about the moral commitment to defending democracy. Désy has reservations to Reid’s statement about living harmoniously with the Soviets and believes that “law-abiding citizens cannot hope to share the world amicably with bandits.”