Over the Teacups

The details of what Mackenzie King and Franklin Roosevelt discussed at the White House last week were not known at week's end. Canada's Prime Minister said only that the President filled him in on what happened at Yalta, gave him a preview of what would happen at San Francisco. But he went alone to the White House for tea Friday, stayed overnight and through most of Saturday. It was unlikely that Prime Minister King had merely listened.

Question of Influence. Canada has long insisted that the original provisions of the Dumbarton Oaks formula, which will be activated at San Francisco, should be modified to give a stronger say in world affairs to "middle powers" like Canada, Australia, The Netherlands. Canada's argument is that, since these nations have contributed both blood and resources to the Allied victory, they should have something to say about the peace. But under the

Dumbarton Oaks formula as it now stands, they have no more voice than the Latin American nations, which are technically at war but contributing little. This was one thing that Mr. King could talk to Franklin Roosevelt about.

Question of Independence. There was another thing, too. Canada wants it known that she is not tied to Britain's apron. Canadians persistently emphasize that their Dominion, while a member of the British Commonwealth, is a fully independent member. They want a seat of their own, and the freedom of action that would go with such a seat, on any world security organization that is set up. Would the Big Three agree?

Obviously, if Mr. King raised such internationally touchy issues as these at San Francisco, there might be trouble. Over their teacups, the Prime Minister and the President probably had a try at settling them in advance.

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