Today were going to take a look into one of the early oil based conflicts. In July 1956, Mr Abdul Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal Company. Which was French run with the British government being the largest shareholder. In private the British Cabinet concedes that Mr. Nasser actions are legal. England and France were headed to lose pride and influence, within North Africa, and the Middle East. At the same time, France was stuck in a tricky conflict in Algeria, and saw Mr. Nasser as the nexus of pan-Arab nationalism. France needing the conflict in Egypt to come to a front played a move that we still suffer from today. France saw its chance with the newly formed state of Israel. France supplied the Israelis with arms, thus allowing the British and French, to play the roll of worried peacemakers when conflict arose. This is when Mr. Pearson comes into play. He had been working as the peacemaker between Egypt – Israel, England and France. Once his diplomatic efforts failed, Israel invades Egypt, and England, and France attack Egyptian positions as peacekeepers. France and England are condemned at the United Nations. As the situation worsens Mr. Pearson propose the first United Nations Peace Keeping force. Canada having no seat on the Security Council would need to appeal to the General Assembly. After four days and sleepless nights of negotiations. The General Assembly overwhelming supported Mr. Pearson’s proposal for peacekeepers. Within two weeks UN forces arrive, England and France completely withdraw. Israel remains in Egypt until the spring of 1957. The UN peacekeeping force remained until 1967, when Mr. Nasser expelled the force on the eve of the Six Day War with Israel. Back home the Liberal party is removed from power in an election. Mr. Pearson goes from a high profile to back bench. That is until October 1957 he receives the call that he has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Then in January of 1958 Mr. Pearson is chosen leader of the Liberal Party and eventually becomes Prime Minister in 1963.
