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Pearson wins Nobel Peace Prize

Broadcast Date: Oct. 17, 1957

Oct 12, 1957 – A cable is sent from Oslo to inform Liberal Member of Parliament Lester B. Pearson that he has won the Nobel Peace Prize. It arrives, but at the wrong house. Four hours later a reporter calls Pearson for an interview and unknowingly becomes the bearer of marvellous news. Pearson is shocked and honoured. The prize honours Pearson's creation of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF), deployed the previous year to help bring peace in Egypt, following the Suez Crisis.

Pearson wins Nobel Peace Prize

• At the time of the award, 60-year-old former cabinet minister Lester B. Pearson was the author of a weekly column on international affairs, published by newspapers across Canada. He was also former president of the United Nations general assembly (1952), and former secretary of external affairs.
• Pearson was unaware that he had even been nominated for the award. "Gosh, I am thunderstruck and overwhelmed," a very surprised Pearson told reporters.

• The Suez Crisis erupted after Egypt's President Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal. Under the new regulations, passing ships would pay a toll. France and Britain did not want Egypt to control this important waterway. Together with Israel, they fought against Egypt during 1956. To settle the rising violence, Pearson proposed that a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) be formed to act as a buffer between the two sides.

• The UNEF eventually succeeded in creating a cease-fire and subsequently, complete troop withdrawals. Pearson was honoured for his initiative with the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Pearson became Canada's 14th Prime Minister in 1963 and spent four years in office, until 1968, when he stepped down as leader. He died of cancer in 1972.

Pearson wins Nobel Peace Prize

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC Radio News

Broadcast Date: Oct. 17, 1957

Guest(s):

Reporter: Bill Beatty

Duration: 3:33

Last updated:
March 11, 2008