You will recall that the Acting Secretary of State for External Affairs asked us to arrange for Canadian recognition of the present government of Peru at about the same time as the United Kingdom and the United States extended recognition. The United States did so on November 20th and the United Kingdom, yesterday. Other countries which have recognized this government are: The Holy See, Italy, China, Nicaragua, Sweden, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Paraguay, Haiti, Panama, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Ecuador.

You will also recall that our Ambassador in Santiago informed us of the Chilean Foreign Minister's request to him that we delay our extension of recognition of the present government of Peru until after Chile has done so. Briefly, it appears that Chile has certain reasons for withholding recognition but does not wish to be the last nation to act and so place herself in an embarrassing position vis-à-vis the new Peruvian Government. A copy of Mr. [C.F.] Elliott's telegram is attached. †

While the Chilean Foreign Minister's reasons may have some merit from Chilean point of view, it is felt that we should not delay our granting recognition any longer since we have our own interests in Peru to consider. Accordingly it is suggested that we proceed in accordance with our original intention. If you agree, a telegram could be sent to Mr. Elliott informing him of our decision and suggesting that he merely tell the Chilean Foreign Minister that Mr. [J.A.] Strong⁴ has already received his instructions and that we regret it was not possible to alter them.

Mr. Strong has suggested that our extension of recognition be communicated to the Peruvian Government by a personal visit to the Foreign Minister, leaving with him a note merely reiterating general sentiments of existing friendship between Canada and Peru, but without specific reference to the note addressed by the Foreign Minister to Mr. Strong informing him of the change in government, thus implying that no interruption in relations ever took place.

This Division would have no objection to Mr. Strong's proposal and Legal Division also concur.

I attach for your consideration a telegram of instruction to Mr. Strong. † ⁵ I also attach a suggested reply to Mr. Elliott.†

DAVID M. JOHNSON

⁴Ambassadeur en Pérou/Ambassador in Peru.

⁵Le 25 novembre, Strong fut autorisé à transmettre la décision canadienne de reconnaître la junte militaire ainsi qu'il Pavait proposé.
On November 25, Strong was authorized to convey Canada's decision to recognize the military junta as he had proposed.