dodis.ch/77044

The Canadian Department of External Affairs to the Finnish Ambassador in Ottawa, Sumelius1

[Response to Finland’s Offer to Act as Host to a Possible Conference on European Security Problems]

Canada, which has been involved twice in this century in world wars originating in Europe, is vitally concerned with the peace and security of Europe. The prospect for improving relations between East and West and the eventual solution of the outstanding problems which still divide Europe are of continuing interest to Canada.

It is against this background that the Canadian Government has examined the Finnish memorandum of May 5, 1969 in which the Government of Finland offers to act as host to a possible conference on European security problems as well as to a preparatory meeting for consideration of the arrangements for such a conference.2

The Government of Canada believes that the positive and realistic approach reflected in the Finnish memorandum should be well received by all Governments interested in constructive steps towards a just and lasting peace in Europe, based on stability, security and mutual confidence. The Canadian Government particularly welcomes the Finnish view that any conference on European security problems should be convened without any preliminary conditions, should be well prepared, should provide for the participation of all Governments concerned and, above all, should be assured of reasonable prospects for success. The Canadian Government also agrees that a decision to hold such a conference or a preparatory meeting can be reached only after the essential groundwork has been laid as a result of consultations among all Governments concerned. With a view to playing a full part in this process, Canada is maintaining close contact with its allies and with other Governments.

The Canadian Government will continue to follow closely developments affecting the possible holding of an European security conference and related meetings and will welcome further exchanges with the Finnish Government on this matter.3