US Warns Canada

'Canada Told To Tone Down Attacks On US'

by-Francis Harris
Filed: 14/12/2005
The Telegraph (UK)

The United States last night issued an extraordinary warning to Canadian politicians to tone down their anti-american rhetoric or face the consequences.

Washington's Ambassador to Ottawa intervened in the Canadian election campaign after politicians north of the border attacked their closest ally and biggest trading partner.

In a televised speech, David Wilkins said:
"It may be smart election politics to thump your chest and constantly criticise your friend and your number one trading partner. But its a slippery slope and all of us should hope it doesn't have a long-term impact on our relationship."

The intervention by a US official in Canadian affairs is virtually unknown and it underlined the strains between the countries as anti-american feeling has soared in the former British dominion.

While Mr. Wilkins did not name any politicians, his words were primarily aimed at the Prime Minister, Paul Martin, a once pro-US figure who has won votes in recent years by attacking Washington.

Last week during climate change negotiations, Mr. Martin said the americans should listen to the "global conscience" on the environment.

Mr. Wilkins said america's emissions of greenhouse gases were growing more slowly than those of Canada.

The relationship has been damaged in recent years by a series of personal attacks by leading Canadians against President George W. Bush.

A spokesman for Mr. Martin's predecessor, Jean Chretien, was overheard telling reporters that Mr. Bush was a moron.

and an MP from the ruling liberal party once said: "damn americans, I hate the b*****ds."

courtesy of:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk