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Canadian public opinion of the United Kingdom was not great, the notes explained. “The ordinary Canadian tends to think that Britain has turned her back on Canada and is now only interested in Europe,” but there would be opportunity for Thatcher to contradict this notion in her speeches and TV interviews.

The relationship between Canadian and British armed forces was described as “excellent,” although it had “soured somewhat in recent times through what the Canadians see as excessive charges for training courses and other related items,” wrote the diplomats.

“This may reduce the extent of Canadian training in the UK and thereby our influence but might also result in increased charges for the excellent training facilities that we enjoy in Canada – mostly in Alberta.”

The notes described westerners as “suspicious of everything coming from eastern Canada,” and noted then-premiers Bill Davis of Ontario and Peter Lougheed of Alberta were powerful politicians who could have led the federal Conservative party had they not “cancelled each other out.”

Giving a glimpse into the Brits’ views of Canadians, the first telegram pointed to the opportunity for Thatcher to influence Canadian defence and economic policy, but advised her not to be “too blunt.” Thatcher could be critical of the “inadequate Canadian defence effort, restrictions on British Banks … and Protectionist trade barriers” so long as she was gentle about it. “Canadians are inordinately sensitive,” the note said.