Correspondence With Jennifer Welsh About Allan Gotlieb's Characterization Of He

In particular, I'm referring to the part where he is pleased to see that Canada has downplayed the need to abide by international law, a truly shocking statement shared by only a marginal few in this country.

He wrote: "Gone is the emphasis on international law, so popular in recent foreign-policy statements; gone is the Chrétien-era doctrine against using force without UN Security Council authorization; gone is mention of treaties such as the Landmine Convention, where Canada has proclaimed its leadership. Gone are hints of anti-Americanism."

I've saved a copy of the full item here

I don't know why he chose not to refer to you by name. Perhaps it was a way for him to distort your positions, if indeed he did.

That is why I am writing to you. Will you please respond to what he wrote, either confirming or correcting this characterization of your views, and more importantly, of the foreign policy vision itself?

I would like to post your response online, next to his item.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope, the time to respond.

Robert

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Dear Robert - Thanks for your message. I haven't had the time to respond to Mr. Gotlieb, but hope to (I gave a speech recently where I did so, but it was before his Op Ed came out).

The notion that Canada will somehow be less law-abiding as a result of this International Policy Statement is a stretch: the Statement certainly doesn't say that.

Best wishes,
Jennifer Welsh

Note: Gotlieb is happy Canadi... here