The Washington Diaries: 1981-1989

Allan Gotlieb was the Canadian Ambassador to the United Statesin in the 1980's, the Reagan Era, or, if you prefer, the late Trudeau, early Mulroney era in Canada. Here he has published about half of his daily diary for that period, including blunt opinions of the political and social figures he encountered and entertained. Some have died but the living might check the index to see how they rate. Here also is a record of the almost daily lobbying effort he had to perform, usually with members of Congress, to preserve markets in the U.S. for Canadian industries that compete with various American products: beef, pork, timber, timber, shakes and shingles, potatoes, lobsters, to name a few. This book disabuses the idea anyone may have that diplomacy is all banquets, parties and balls. There are plenty of these but they have a purpose. Canada is the largest trading partner of the U.S., but it takes constant effort, including wining and dining, to maintain support of a complex trade relationship. This may not be as true with respect to countries with less powerful legislative bodies or fewer regional interests, but I wonder about the working days of the retread politicians who often represent the United States abroad, getting an ego boost after supporting a winning presidential candidate. In 1985 Mulroney proposed a free trade agreement, breaking with the traditional Canadian protectionist high tariff policy. Gotlieb and his staff fought it through the U.S. Congress but conflicts still persist over various trade matters. To paraphrase the author: It ain't over till its over and even then it ain't over. There also are nice touches of Jewish humor. Its a long schlep through over 600 pages, with multiple footnotes identifying everyone in the text, but it is enlightening.