Avro tragedy. For the layperson, there may be some difficulty following the political and economic forces that drove the Diefenbaker decision. The problem lies in Peden's assumption of the readers prior knowledge. There is no doubt that the points of technical capacity and specifications provide a convincing argument. Uncontestably, it is upsetting that the Arrow could have pushed 1404.19 Mph or put out 28000 lbs. of thrust, (magnificent even at today's standards), yet all traces of this stripped from the nation. From a historic perspective there is a curiosity surrounding the leadership of the A.V. Row company. This is not adequately addressed by Peden as he merely presents the superficial character outlook. Peden mentions the contributions and funding by C. D. Howe. V.C. Yet hardly describes much about the man. The fact that the Chief test pilot was not even a Canadian while a Canadian, J. Woodman only got to fly the chase plane is not addressed. This perhaps would have been interesting to discuss. The influences of President Eisenhower to scrap the project is not even mentioned. Peden also mentioned that the enhanced Iroquois engines (never actually test flown) were neglected in the press and given little publicity, perhaps the press was guilty of the converse of Peden, for it put much emphasis on the personalities of the day and less so on specifications.While Peden shares the sentiment with the majority of Canadians who would agree this tragedy is not outdone even by Shakespeare, his book is targeting an informed reader. Peden is selective in his arguments which are clearly biased against the termination of the Avro Arrow. President Eisenhower is let off the hook easily because he is not even mentioned and all blame is placed solely on Prime Minister Diefenbaker. Lester B. Pearson although is not a fortunate, and is criticized heavily for his Bomark missile deal after the fact. Evidently, as stated here Peden is d...
