In transmitting it to the Department of Trade and Commerce for consideration, we directed their attention to this statement, adding

" . . . You will recall in. this connection that the Tripartite Declaration of May 27 on Germany and the European Defence Community refers to Berlin in the words: 'The security and welfare of Berlin and the maintenance of the position of the three Powers there are regarded by the three Powers as essential elements of the position of the free world in the present international situation.' Canada's maintenance of a military mission in Berlin is evidence of Canadian willingness to help maintain the Allied position there. Participation in the German Industries' Fair would therefore, in our opinion, be a logical consequence of this policy."

Confidential despatch No. 477, of June 7,^? from Bonn (flagged for your information) confirms this opinion.

Although the Canadian Government Exhibition Commission were at first doubtful whether they could arrange anything worth while for the Fair, both because of their limited financial resources and of their previous commitments in overseas exhibitions, they have since agreed, in the light of Mr. Davis'36 despatch, to reconsider the matter, as will be seen from the attached telegram^? which they have now requested us to send to our Ambassador in Bonn.37 Would you please initial it if you approve?

I think that Canada should have an exhibit at this Fair to help make the Western shop-window as attractive as possible. Both European and Economic Divisions concur in this. By showing our interest in the welfare of a strategically located city whose communications, commercial and other, are continuously threatened by Soviet interference tactics, we would certainly help strengthen the morale of the citizens in their struggle to remain free and independent. Moreover, we would at the same time be reciprocating the Western German contribution to the Canadian International Trade Fair. You may, therefore, think it advisable to approach the Deputy Minister of Trade and Commerce in order that a definite and favourable decision may be taken as soon as possible. Would you prefer to do this verbally or in writing?³⁸

H.O. M[ORAN]