The Suez Crisis

But throughout the summer and fall of 1956, all of Pearson’s diplomatic efforts fail to alter the course of British and French policy or bring to an end the growing divide between the U.S. and the U.K. 

Once Israel invades Egypt, Britain and France take on their excuse as peacekeepers and begin bombing Egyptian locations.  France and Britain are condemned at the United Nations (UN). The Commonwealth splits along national lines. The Western alliance is split apart.

As the situation worsen, Pearson decided to propose the first UN peace-keeping force, also know as the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). Grasping the intensity of the situation, his initial idea is to switch over the invading French and British armed forces into real peacekeepers with permissions from the UN. But the ferocity in the General Assembly and the fury from the U.S. will not allow this. Pearson abandons this attitude and suggests creating a real UN force with no British or French forces.

While the crisis is argued in the Security Council where Canada requires an enduring seat, Pearson can play no direct role. Only when the debate is forcibly moved against the desires of London and Paris to the General Assembly can the main diplomat finally play a front line role.

Arriving at the Assembly on November 1st, Pearson and his entrustment begin building an agreement for his suggestion. Working intimately with all parties across all divisions, Pearson puts together a alliance of support over four wild sleepless days and nights.

In the early hours of November 4th 1956, the General Assembly overwhelmingly supports Pearson’s offer for the world’s first peacekeeping forces.

Within two weeks, advance units arrive in Egypt.  Obeying to international pressure and the arrival of UNEF, British and French forces complete their withdrawal from Egypt by the end of 1956. Israeli forces withdraw in the spring of 1957. UNEF will remain in Egypt until President Nasser expels it in 1967 on the eve of the Six Day War with Israel.

Praised at the UN for his brilliant efforts, Pearson is hated by some at home for betraying the Mother Land – Great Britain.  He tries to preserve his record as one that actually tried to help Great Britain. Removed from the world’s spotlight, Pearson now becomes a backbencher in Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. But in October 1957, on the opening of Parliament, he receives news that he has won the Nobel Peace Prize.

In January of 1958, Pearson is chosen leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and eventually becomes Prime Minister in 1963 due to the brave and fair efforts he had shown during the Suez Crisis.