Document Information

Date: 1975-11-27
By: R.G. Robertson
Citation: Memorandum from R.G. Robertson to Mr. Carter (27 November 1975).
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CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Jodouin
Mrs. Reed
Mr. Hurley

November 27th, 1975.

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. CARTER:

“Patriation” of the constitution

See the attached memorandum that I have prepared for the Prime Minister concerning the next step to take on “patriation”. I would like to send it to the Prime Minister tomorrow so that he can read it and think about it during the weekend. Further reflection since our talk of yesterday has confirmed me in the view that the right course now is to cut off immediately any thought that we are prepared to enter into a new round of discussions and concessions on the draft proclamation.

Whether the Prime Minister should take the second step of indicating to Mr. Bourassa the nature of our fall back position – and of the action he will take if there is no agreement – is a separate question. I have no strong or clear view on this point and it probably should be a matter for the Prime Minister to judge in the light of the reaction he gets from Mr. Bourassa when he makes the first position clear.

Would you please take a look at this at your earliest convenience and have a word with me about it. If you think there would be value in having a small meeting here later today to discuss this, please let me know.

R.G.R.