I should like to conclude this series of memorandat by presenting a brief outline of some of the possible implications for Canada with regard to the forthcoming Bogota Conference. At this time, this memorandum is perforce tentative. A more objective study will be made after the results of the conference are known.

As you know, Canada is not likely to receive an invitation to attend the conference, it now being well known in the United States and throughout Latin America that we are not seeking to be present in any capacity.

However, the question of Canadian participation in the Pan American Union will surely be discussed at Bogota (as it was at Chapultepec and Rio); consequently, it might be wise if Cabinet reviewed - sometime before the conference - the memorandum (October 14th, 1947) which we submitted to that effect so that a final decision may be taken.

It might also be wise if our Trade Commissioner in Bogota were briefed on Canada's general Inter-American policy in order to prevent his making any faux pas. If you agree, I could prepare material for him on the subject.

Since Canada will not attend the conference her interest is somewhat indirect. However, several of the items on the agenda do concern us more directly, at the present time. These are:

(1) The outcome of the proposed strengthening of the Inter-American system;

(2) The means projected to alleviate current Inter-American economic problems; and

(3) The integration of specialized agencies and technical bodies within the structure of the "new" Pan American Union.

1. Strengthening of the Inter-American System

A probable outcome of the proposed strengthening of the Inter-American System will be the bolstering of United States leadership within the reorganized structure. This development, I think, should serve to increase Canada's present reluctance to associate more intimately with the Union and its activities.

2. Inter-American Economic Problems

Economic problems will undoubtedly play a large part at the conference. Possible results may be the creation of an Inter-American Bank, U.S. dollar loans to Latin America, increased American purchases of Latin-American goods for shipment to Europe and/or European purchases there with U.S. dollars supplied by virtue of ERR

However, it is not expected that the United States will be the goose which lays the golden eggs for Latin America. In any case, even the slightest American aid will help Latin America along and a more solvent Latin America will undoubtedly increase Canadian exports there.

In view of the steps taken by various Latin-American nations to have United Nations set up a special economic Commission for Latin America - in which all American nations could participate - Canada may have some interest in watching developments along these lines at Bogota. Our Delegation to the Economic and Social Council in New York has been briefed along these lines. A copy is attached,t if you have not already seen it.

3. Iner-American Technical Bodies

There is a decided movement under way, at present, to place all Inter-American technical bodies under the aegis of the Pan American Union. If such a development should occur, we could perhaps take advantage of it in order to sever our ties with those technical bodies which do not fully suit our purposes e.g. The Inter-American Conference on Social Security. For the record, however, I doubt the wisdom of severing our ties completely with all Inter-American technical agencies.

NOTE: It is possible that Canada may be asked to represent the British colonies in the Western Hemisphere during discussions on the topic of colonies in the Americas. In my estimation, we should sidestep this issue, should it arise.

A[RTHUR] B[LANCHETTE]