Canada's diplomatic couriers in 1975.

Diplomatic courier routes in 1973.

1973: Scheduling board for the shipment of diplomatic mail.

Courier routings board.

Sealing the diplomatic pouch with a lead seal crimping tool. (Photo source unknown at this time)

Testing the industrial-strength hot wax applicator.

A wax applicator is being used to apply sealing wax to the linen tag. The usual method was to use a long wax taper, light it, melt the end of a wax stick and let it drip onto the tag.  If you dripped hot wax on your skin, the only recourse was to wait until it cooled before you could remove it. By then of course, you had a nice little burn. (Photo source unknown at this time)

Preparing classified mail.

Shrink wrapping envelopes for the diplomatic bag. The canvas courier bags were not waterproof so sealing the contents with plastic wrap saved a lot of problems.

Preparing unclassified mail.

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Credits and References:

1) David Smith <drdee(at)sympatico.ca
2) Ray Fortin - Foreign Affairs Electronic Technician (retired).  e-mail:  raymondfortin(at)rogers.com

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Feb 25/06