Reply #14: The memo was not factual as has been stated by the agency

[Spazito]

involved, the Canadian Consulate in Chicago:

"In the recent report produced by the Consulate General in Chicago, there was no intention to convey, in any way, that Senator Obama and his campaign team were taking a different position in public from views expressed in private, including about NAFTA. We deeply regret any inference that may have been drawn to that effect."

There were NO quotes from Mr. Goolsbee in the memo, simply the subjective opinion of a low-level staffer who was NOT the person who met with Mr. Goolsbee.

Mr. Goolsbee did NOT initiate the contact with the Consulate, he was responding to an invitation from the Consulate to tour the facilities and have an introductory meeting with Canadian Consul General Georges Rioux.

It is an invitation that goes out to many as a matter of courtesy.