Former president Bill Clinton speaks at the Clinton Global Initiative on Sept. 24, 2013 in New York. Mr. Clinton will swear in New York City’s next mayor, Bill de Blasio, on Jan. 1, 2014.MARK LENNIHAN/The Associated Press
Even if Quebec voters had said "Oui" to creating an independent country in 1995, newly released documents show the United States government wasn't prepared to offer any guarantees of saying "Yes" to recognizing it.
Newly released material reveals that the U.S. would have held off recognition of an independent Quebec in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 30, 1995, sovereignty referendum.
The documents released Friday include talking points prepared for U.S. diplomats as the official American response to two possible referendum results: one for a united Canada, and one for a breakup.
It's the response that was never delivered that offers a rare glimpse into American preparation for a vote to separate Quebec, an issue that has suddenly become timely again in the current Quebec election.
"Since the Canadians have yet to work out their future constitutional arrangements, it is premature to consider the question of recognition of Quebec," say those talking points, issued Oct. 27, 1995, and released Friday by the Clinton Presidential Library.
The statement also echoed earlier warnings from the Clinton administration on another key concern: There would be no guarantees of an independent Quebec being part of the NAFTA trade zone.
"Complicated legal issues are involved, and nothing is automatic," the note said. "We have given no assurances to any party."
The document was among several dozen released Friday by the Clinton Presidential Library, which is making available the archives of the Clinton administration in instalments.
The continuing release of those documents has been a sensitive subject in U.S. politics, given that the first lady from that era, Hillary Clinton, is considered the presidential front-runner if she chooses to run in 2016.
The timing of this particular release coincides with the re-emergence of Quebec independence as a hot topic in the current provincial election.
The statement on a Yes win never had to be delivered in 1995, as Quebecers voted by a paper-thin margin to remain in Canada. This week, star Parti Quebecois recruit Pierre Karl Peladeau suggested that vote had been stolen by the pro-Canada side.
Pequistes have long groused about illegal federal spending during the campaign, and about the federal government ramping up its citizenship proceedings to allow more votes by immigrants, who lean more heavily toward the federalist side.
Another unity supporter was then-president Bill Clinton.
He had told the Canadian Parliament in the run-up to the referendum: "In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts ... Canada has stood ... as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity and respect."
The documents released Friday also contained a note that questioned the wisdom of Clinton taking sides. An Oct. 27 letter, sent to national security adviser Anthony Lake, recommended staying neutral because a U.S. endorsement could trigger an unwanted backlash from voters.
Premier Pauline Marois was asked about the document.
"I will look at what you're referring to before making any comment," she replied Friday, "and maybe I won't even make any comment."
The material includes details from a phone call between Clinton and then-prime minister Jean Chretien. The document transcription is time-stamped 6:13 p.m. on the night of the referendum.
The note also appears to provide two different responses, depending on the outcome.
It spells Chretien's name wrong.
"IF NO: During the call, the two leaders discussed how important the vote was for the people of Quebec and Canada. Specifically, the President expressed his admiration for a strong and united Canada and how much the United States looks forward to working together with Canada to develop an even stronger relationship in the future," it says.
"IF YES: During the call, the two leaders discussed the outcome of the referendum and agreed that it is premature to predict the final impact of the vote. The President assured PM Cretien that the United States would continue to consult closely with Ottawa as Canada works outs out its constitutional arrangements in the coming weeks and months."
Part of the confusion in 1995 stemmed from the fact that there were wildly different interpretations of what the Parti Quebecois' referendum question actually meant. Some voters thought they were deciding on negotiating more powers for Quebec, while then-premier Jacques Parizeau has since admitted to planning a declaration of independence following a Yes vote.