ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the situation of India in the context of The Letter, diplomacy and public relations. Heron’s inaugural issue of December 1943 was used by the United Kingdom Information Service of the British government to shore up its national image during heightened tensions with India over issues stemming from colonial rule. The Letter was used as a tool of public diplomacy to manage the United Kingdom’s reputation and brand among the Commonwealth nations in the midst of negative media coverage. The United Kingdom’s national interests would have been further served by the maintenance of positive relationships with its Commonwealth governments, securing political ties to the network. This rather interesting series of events likely spurred Heron into considering the diplomatic role his publication could play on the world stage; he began to write stories that could support trade and investment, encourage immigration and educate foreign audiences about the Canadian way of life, becoming a tool for international education, building the image of Canada abroad.
The Letter was equally appreciated by the Government of Canada for its consistent reinforcement of federal government policy including support on the census initiative, its post-war housing policy and its emerging multi-cultural policy of 1971, acting as mouthpiece of the Canadian government.
