Laing raised a calming hand toward Peter Forbes and said to the Prime Minister, “I see your point, sir. What you say about reaction by the Canadian people is probably quite true. The last thing in the world I would want to see would be some act of violence against American nationals. That would set up a valid reason in the President’s mind for some sort of reprisal, perhaps even military action, against Canada. Maybe that’s just what he’d like to see at this time, and it’s exactly the sort of thing that might happen, not only between now and tomorrow night but for some time after that.” Laing hesitated. “But the problem is, sir, that I don’t know what can be done about it.”
“I agree, Prime Minister,” said Forbes. “But how can I, or anyone in the Press Gallery, for that matter, convince his editor to play it cool? Frankly, sir, I don’t think there’s a hope in hell that you can keep the lid on this.”
Senator John Thomas’ voice rumbled from the corner, startling all three of them. “Prime Minister, I wonder if you might permit me to put in a word.”
“Sure, John, please do.”
“Well, it seems to me that there’s only one person in Canada who can explain the situation to the people and make them see matters in the proper light, and that’s you.
“I suggest that rather than place the burden upon Mr. Laing and Mr. Forbes or their colleagues, you take the matter before the whole country. I think you should appear on national television some time later today and make a statement to the nation. You should outline the seriousness of the situation and directly suggest to the press, radio and TV people that every effort should be made to keep all the facts in perspective, that the American position in the energy crisis should be understood, and that typical Canadian calmness and coolness should prevail.”
Laing nodded his head in agreement. “I think that’s an excellent idea, Prime Minister. The CBC will clear its national TV network for you at any time, and I know CTV and Global will do the same. In fact, I would be pleased to speak to them for you if you wish.”
The Prime Minister turned to Forbes. “What do you think, Peter?”
“Sounds good to me, sir, but I suggest that you get something out to the public as quickly as possible.”
“All right, then. I’ll need some time to prepare a statement. What about nine o’clock this evening? Could you clear half an hour at that time for me, Jim?”
Laing replied, “No problem, sir, but is there any possibility of your doing it earlier?”
“I don’t think so. There’s just too much to be done. However, I think I can put together a press release, although there isn’t time for a press conference now. You can alert your people that a release will be made in half an hour. In the meantime, I’d like both of you to keep this discussion in confidence, and, Jim, if you will check with CTV and Global and clear the network time with them as well, I’d appreciate it. Would you get in touch with Tom Scott, my chief executive assistant, when the matter has been arranged? Also would you let him know if there are any snags? I think it would be appropriate to carry the program on your radio network as well.”
As the Prime Minister stood up to terminate the meeting, there was a quick knock on the door, and Tom Scott entered.
“Sir, we’ve just had word that the President is going on television at 12:30. It looks as though he’s going to make a public announcement about the ultimatum.”
Porter was silent for a moment or two. Then he turned to Laing and Forbes and said, “Well, gentlemen, it looks as though the time-table is now somewhat out of our hands. Jim, I would appreciate it if you could clear your television network for me to speak immediately after the President’s address. I’ll try to deal with the points he raises at that time and make it as short as I can. In any event, I will still want to do the lengthy and considered statement at nine o’clock. Can you arrange it?”
Laing looked at his watch and exclaimed, “My God, it’s now two minutes to twelve. We’ve just a little over half an hour. If you can let me use the phone I think we can arrange for you to follow the President, but we’ll have to hustle. As far as nine o’clock tonight is concerned, that’s no problem. I’ll get onto our technical people immediately to get a TV camera and crew up here. I understand you have a cable and hookup for transmission in the Conference Room down the hall.”
Tom Scott said, “That’s right.”
“Good. We’ll use that room for your broadcast. Now, Mr. Scott, if you can get me to a telephone I’ll get everything set up.”
After getting Laing started on his calls, Scott returned to the Prime Minister’s office and reported, “Sir, all the members of the Cabinet are now in the Cabinet Room. I’ve also arranged for the six deputy ministers of the key departments and the Governor of the Bank of Canada to be present.”
Porter nodded. “Good. You’d better get the Deputy Minister of National Defence, too, if he’s available. How are the arrangements for transportation coming?”
“Very well, sir. Things seem to be going smoothly. Also the premiers are on their way now.”
“That’s fine. Now if you’ll look after Mr. Forbes, I want to have a brief word with Senator Thomas before I meet the Cabinet. “Thanks again, Peter. I appreciate your advice and co-operation.”
As the door shut behind them, Porter said, “Well, John, what do you think of the situation?” He walked over to a massive easy chair in front of the great stone fireplace, lowered himself into it, and put his feet up on the coffee table.
Thomas sat down opposite him, put his notebook and pen on the table, and said, “I think you’ve got all the bases covered, Bob. While you’re dealing with the Cabinet, do you want me to put together the draft press release? You remember you told Forbes you’d have one in half an hour.”
“I forgot about that when I heard the President was going to speak. No, it won’t be necessary now that I’m going on TV. My shot at that time will be more than sufficient, so don’t waste your time putting anything together.”
Thomas nodded. “Right. Now the only other question I have is this. Do you think there’s any possibility of getting the President to extend his time limit? It seems to me that after all these years of negotiating and haggling another day or two shouldn’t matter much to him. But it would give you and the whole country a far better opportunity to assess the ultimatum before a final answer is given. If there’s any chance at all of getting him to change the time, it must be done before he gets on television. He won’t do it after that.”
“You’re right. I think you’d better try to get the President on the phone for me while I go to meet with the Cabinet. If you’ll let me know when the call comes through, I’ll go to the office across the hall and take it there.”
The Prime Minister gathered up the papers on his desk and headed for the Cabinet Room. As he entered the dignified, elegant panelled room lined with portraits of past prime ministers, the buzz of conversation ceased abruptly and everyone in the room stood up. Porter went directly to the high-backed chair at the end of the long highly polished table, said, “Thank you, gentlemen,” and sat down.
With great shuffling and scuffling of chairs, the ministers seated themselves at the table in order of seniority, with the deputy ministers and other staff ranged round the outside of the room.
The Prime Minister opened the meeting without preliminaries. “Gentlemen, I am sure that by this time all of you have been informed that the President of the United States, on behalf of the government of that country, presented to me in a telephone conversation this morning a three-part ultimatum, the answer to which must be given by Parliament no later than six o’clock tomorrow evening.
“At this moment my staff are trying to get through to the President so that I may speak with him and ask that the time be extended. The President is scheduled to address the United States on television