Note:

Lester B. Pearson was an accomplished academic, diplomat and politician. He is remembered for his service in World War I, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and for introducing fundamental social programs including universal health care and the Canada Pension Plan.

Perhaps less documented is the role he played in repairing American-Canadian relations at a critical moment in world history. John F. Kennedy and Pearson’s predecessor, John Diefenbaker, shared a prolonged mutual dislike for each other, making Kennedy’s convivial relationship with Pearson a point of contention with reigning Conservatives on Parliament Hill. During the Cold War, Kennedy made clear an obligation that Canada and the United Stated should remain close. In his famous speech, he stated, “Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies.” This declaration did little to improve relations with Diefenbaker, and put the familial and gracious relationship that Liberal Leader Pearson was cultivating with the President into contrast.

On April 29, 1962, just six weeks before the Canadian election, Kennedy invited Pearson to a celebratory dinner for Nobel Peace Prize winners. Included in the present lot is the formal invitation and menu for the gathering at the White House. Kennedy mentioned just one guest in his formal speech that evening, Liberal Leader Lester B. Pearson, and later paid him special attention in a one-on-one meeting. Diefenbaker was furious, arguing that the President was intervening in Canadian politics. Lester B. Pearson lost the election in 1962 even with Kennedy’s support, but was eventually elected Prime Minister after Diefenbaker’s minority government floundered on the decision to station American nuclear missiles on Canadian soil. The controversial nature of this issue led to the loss of two non-confidence votes, the dissolution of Diefenbaker’s government and Pearson’s victory in the election of 1963.