IN THEIR OPINION

US of ... Arrogance

NO Canadian should be surprised at the arrogance sometimes exhibited by the United States. Even so, the latest imperial flourish from Washington provokes a slight gasp of awe. Under two bills put forward by Sen. Jesse Helms (R) of North Carolina, the US would retaliate against foreign companies and countries, including Canada, that do business with Cuba. It is as if Canada, upset over overfishing, were to levy fines against a US company for making deals with Spain. Rep. Robert Torricelli (D) of New Jersey, adds that Washington expects Ottawa to be ''somewhat deferential'' on an issue so important to the US. There is no reason on Earth why Canada should defer to the US on this matter.

The Globe and Mail, Toronto