Smile when you say no to the U.S.

BRIAN MULRONEY

The cornerstone of Canada's remarkable international influence has been our special relationship with the president and people of the United States. The handling of this relationship requires skill, sensitivity and an awareness of the nuances of opinion and power in the White House, Congress, media and interest groups. Our prime ministers must understand the special responsibility the U.S. bears in this new international order. As Lester B. Pearson wrote in his memoirs: "As American difficulties increase, we should resist any temptation to [say] 'You are bigger but we are better.' Our own experience, as we wrestle with our own problems, gives us no ground for any such conviction."