LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Quotation taken out of context

I am writing with regard to an article, “Trip heightens analysts’ enthusiasm for Chile” (T.N.M., April 15/91), in which our gold analyst was quoted. I am concerned that the quotation attributed to Electa Aust – “Who can say that operating a mine in Chile is any more risky than operating a mine in Quebec given the political situation in Quebec” – was not only taken out of context, but may give a misleading impression of this firm’s political views.

First, in the context in which it is written, it implies that we believe Quebec to be a risky place to invest money. This was completely the wrong interpretation from the discussion. On the contrary, the point being made was to emphasize the stability of Chile. We have in the past recommended, and/or continue to recommend, without reservation, such gold stocks as Golden Knight Resources, Cambior and LAC Minerals which have some or all of their operations in Quebec.

Second, I wish to state that I believe the journalist who wrote the article in question lacked judgment in his choice of a quote to highlight and the context in which he placed it.

From a 15-minute, broad-ranging conversation, the purpose of which was to share knowledge of the mining operations visited in Chile, he chose to take a statement made to make a favorable comparison and placed it in what we construe to be an inflammatory context as it stands. Apart from anything else, it is obviously incorrect to make a comparison of the “country” of Chile with the “province” of Quebec or any other region of Canada.

For the record, I should like to state that this firm’s policy is to try to interpret events or situations objectively to its clients, be they industry, corporate or political in nature. With regard to the current political debate about Canada’s future, we prepare reports and commentaries about developments as they occur. As Canadians, we have one overriding objective, which is to see a satisfactory solution allowing continuation of Canada a mari usque ad mare.

Patrick Mars President Bunting Warburg Inc. Toronto