Sound Transparency

The American government is very embarrassed by the circulation of a new series of confidential documents by the information site WikiLeaks. After the files on Afghanistan and Iraq, this time some 250,000 diplomatic notes were the subject of a leak. They are evaluations, reports and analyses coming from embassies and consulates representing the interests of the United States worldwide.

Even if only a small part of this material has been divulged up until now, we already know that the representatives of our powerful neighbors, in particular the heads of state and the ministers of foreign affairs, are described in very unflattering terms. It reveals above all some surprising requests and behind-the-scenes negotiations that make one frown.

One of these directives orders spying on the management of the United Nations organization, going so far as to claim collecting personal data on some officials, whether it be their telephone or credit card numbers, their email addresses or even their loyalty card numbers from airline companies.

Moreover, one of the few diplomatic cables released concerning Canada reports the vehement criticism of Jim Judd, the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence, with respect to the Canadian justice system. Yet, would it be unusual to expect that our “head spy” would defend the Canadian laws and courts when conversing with our allies?

It is certain that WikiLeaks’ repeated disclosures create significant upheavals, whether they are in the administrative staff, the ministries or the governments.

But at least so far, the media has acted with caution and discretion in dealing with this material that the information website, specialized in the collection of unpublished documents, passes on to them. They have censored everything that could put people or facilities in danger. No serious collateral damage has been identified to date.

But is there a genuine public interest in this case, in spreading the information transmitted by diplomats of all levels, who, in many cases, do nothing but spread their perceptions or their prejudices regarding their foreign opponents and their positions or their policies?

While acknowledging the triviality of many elements, we are led to believe that this public interest exists. Transparency should be the norm for public administrations, even if one can easily understand that certain negotiations should be held safe from prying eyes or ears.

But when manipulation and deceit become excusable in order to protect small outside interests, there isn’t but one step to take to becoming too internally justifiable. Hence the importance of knowledge.

Of course, not all representatives of the United States are choirboys. There is no need, therefore, to take part in a fool’s game with them. But in the long run, respect brings about respect and candor, candor.

Temporarily annoying, the WikiLeaks leaks are going to force the American administration to become better, to raise its ethical standards up a notch and at least to fear the inevitable transparency. It will force its partners, like Canada, to follow suit.

And when a government like that of Stephen Harper inherits a “distinction” like the “Award of Darkness” that the Professional Federation of Journalists of Quebec (FPJQ) gave him this weekend, it is without doubt because there is room for serious improvement in this area. …