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The year 1967 had prospects of hope and fulfillment for Canadians as the dominion entered its second century enveloped with promising kismet; the northern titan was the world’s second largest territorial sovereign entity. Expo 67 in Montreal and various events exemplifying the Canadian mosaic were to show, to Canadians and to the world, that the country had become a high-ranking economic and social titan about to enter the elite sanctum of the forthcoming G-7. The G-7 was made up of the world’s largest industrial nations—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and Canada: after Russia was admitted, a G-8 forum was established. Canada’s credentials as a major middle power had already been accepted in the realm of international relations. Canada’s status went back to 1947 and its involvement with the UN Special Committee on Palestine (unscop), diplomatic relations during the Sinai–Suez war of 1956, and the aftermath. How would its current status impact upon the Arab–Israeli conflict that erupted again within three and a half weeks of Canada’s one hundredth birthday? Israel was experiencing a downturn in its public image in the middle of the sixties and there was a feeling of stagnation. The upsurge in emigration to Canada as a preferred destination seemed to have disturbed the basic calm in Canadian–Israeli relations. A demonstration against emigration to Canada outside the Tel Aviv embassy was indicative of Israeli sensitivity toward those lured by the possibility of financial gain on foreign shores. In the minds of those seeking to strengthen and build the Jewish state, yeridah (Hebrew for emigration; literally “going down” from the land) was almost anathema. External Affairs did not think that Israel was in need of succour. In fact Thomas Carter sent a memorandum to the Economic Division to the effect that 6 War and a Wary Ottawa 70 the pearson era “We do not believe that Canada’s balanced and objective position on the Arab–Israel dispute need inhibit us from offering aid to the Arab states adjacent to Israel. (Israel is obviously not a candidate for aid in view of its relatively advanced state of development and the considerable assistance it already receives from Canada through non-governmental channels.)”1 Carter was clearly referring to Israel-based institutions and organizations. Yet Carter did not think Israel would object to aid for Arab states and concluded that “the time is not ripe for a firm decision to be taken on the initiation of a programme of Canadian aid to the Middle East.”2 Israel continued to pursue bilateral agreements with Canada. The signing on 10 March 1967 of the Treaty of Extradition brought to fruition ten years of Israeli effort. The treaty was subject to parliamentary approval and essentially covered“any person who, being accused or convicted of an offence within the territory of one party shall be found in the territory of the other party.”3 The treaty also covered war criminals.4 The long sought air agreement with mutual landing rights was still not realized as the winter of 1966–1967 was coming to a close. Ottawa would not accede to a pact since Canada’s showcase at the opening of Expo 67 was on the horizon.Canadian reluctance was based on the supposition that Israel’s national carrier, EL AL, would garner most of the travellers and hence, the bulk of the business. Ambassador Rogers had reported on his conversation with Foreign Minister Eban that even though Canada demurred currently, there were indications that an agreement was not far off. Israel’s impending Independence Day Parade scheduled for 15 May posed the usual dilemma faced by the Canadian ambassador: whether to attend or not, given Canada’s position on Jerusalem,the parade’s venue.As in the past,Canada was to follow the lead of others like the United Kingdom,the United States,and France.Hence,non-attendance at a military parade emerged as the order of the day and Canada followed this particular lead.5 Rogers informed Eban of the decision at their meeting on 10 May. While Soviet Jewry’s plight was receiving more attention in the international arena, with especial concern growing at the multilateral level, a Double Taxation Agreement between Canada and Israel was still of concern.Although a 1966 agreement covering ships and aircraft had been concluded, Israel continued to request formal negotiations for a comprehensive tax agreement. Ottawa, however, could not see itself being...

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