NM3ABN
CONFIDENTIAL
24.
Mr Clark confirmed that Canada's aim was to be an effective member of the Alliance, but this did not preclude activity by individual member States directed to Alliance aims. This was easier to explain domestically. He admitted that the new Government had not thought through their ideas on this subject, and had as yet no 'deliberate agenda'. He would like to prepare one. They had already had a number of exchanges with the Russians; Gorbachev had been to Canada.
25. Mr Derek Thomas underlined the importance of having an agenda of their own. The Russians certainly had one: they aimed to become the dominant European superpower, and to exclude the Americans from Europe. Their agreement to the meeting between Mr Shultz and Mr Gromyko in January was their first move in a continuing chess game. They now awaited an American move, and they probably expected the other Western allies to exert pressure on the US in order to secure one. They would use their forthcoming contacts with the Western allied leaders to this end. Meanwhile they had effectively prevented Mr Genscher from visiting Poland and Mr Honecker from visiting the FRG. The Secretary of State added that we would hear more of the Russian demand for 'deeds not words' which was a dangerous slogan. Mr Weston added that it would be important to continue to prevent Soviet wedge-driving among the Western Allies. The Russians' main interest was to introduce an element of predictability into the negotiations. Their perception of SDI had undoubtedly formed part of the leverage which had caused the Russians to agree to resume talking. It remained uncertain whether they would accept limits on offensive weapons.
[The conversation then continued over lunch.]
Central America
26.
Mr Clark said Canada had not sent observers to the Nicaraguan elections. They had received a formal request to assist in the Contadora process and had agreed to provide a detailed memorandum on control and verification, although it had not yet been sent. The Mexican preference was for such a document to be agreed in parallel with a Contadora Act on the lines of the September draft. He would be discussing this with Mr Sepulveda in January. The Canadians would continue to encourage the Contadora process. If documents on the above lines were agreed they would be asked to participate in the verification process. The Canadians were also increasing their aid programme in
CONFIDENTIAL
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