Today in Canada’s Political History: President Dwight Eisenhower is surprised to learn of tensions in the Canada-U.S. relationship

On this date in 1960 Dwight Eisenhower learned that tensions had been building in the American-Canadian relationship. As soon as Ike heard this, he telephoned his Secretary of State, Christian Herter, with suggestions as to how his administration could curb these feelings in Ottawa. The President said he has not had Diefenbaker down here and, while he is merely a Prime Minister, the President thought he could give him a little more of the red-carpet treatment since he is the Prime Minister of such a close neighbor. The President said if we could get him down, the President would be glad to give him a dinner.”The President and Herter agreed that a visit by Diefenbaker that coming June would be issued. You can read a more complete report on the conversations between Herter and Eisenhower on this topic at the following link: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v07p1/d310