§ May 1, 1962
§ During the past two days Prime Minister Macmillan and Prime Minister Diefenbaker have held meetings in Ottawa at which they have reviewed international questions of common concern to the United Kingdom and Canada. These talks were a continuation of the series of meetings which the two Prime Ministers have held from time to time.
§ In the light of his recent discussion with President Kennedy in Washington, Mr. Macmillan reviewed with Mr. Diefenbaker the present state of East-West relations and the particular problems of Berlin, disarmament, and nuclear tests. They also considered the situation in South-East Asia. The two Prime Ministers noted with regret the present situation concerning nuclear tests but reaffirmed their determination to work both in the Geneva Conference and by any other appropriate means towards the conclusion of effective international agreements for the cessation of nuclear tests and for general and complete disarmament.
§ Prime Minister Macmillan informed Prime Minister Diefenbaker of the present state of the negotiations in Brussels between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community and again reaffirmed the United Kingdom's determination to safeguard the essential interests of Commonwealth countries.
§ Prime Minister Diefenbaker reiterated that the Canadian Government attached the highest importance to the preservation of the interests of Commonwealth countries and said that the Canadian Government was confident that the United Kingdom Government would do its utmost to ensure that in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, Canadian trade interests would be safeguarded.
§ The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their intention to keep closely in touch as the negotiations proceed during the coming months and took note that before a final decision was reached, there would be an opportunity for full collective consultation at the Meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers to be held in London in September.
§ The two Prime Ministers reviewed the course of development of the Commonwealth. They strongly reaffirmed their faith in the value of the Commonwealth association and agreed that the strengthening of Commonwealth links remained a common objective of the first importance to both Canada and the United Kingdom.