11 October 1970

This note outlines the process of revising Jérome Choquette’s public statement on 10 October. Officials worried that the statement would sound overly conciliatory to the FLQ and would “imply that the FLQ was inspired by idealism.” Ottawa could not stop Choquette from speaking “given his attitude” and because they did not want to give the appearance of having prevented provincial attempts to appeal to the kidnappers. After a series of revisions with Choquette, including three phone calls, Ottawa approved of the text.