John Lennon and Yoko Ono are interviewed by Associated Press

On the evening of 18 December 1969, in the house owned by musician Ronnie Hawkins where they were staying during their Canadian trip, John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave an interview to a reporter from Associate Press.

The exchange, which lasts for a little more than three minutes, was filmed in colour for broadcast. Drinking tea and smoking, Lennon explains to the reporter, identified only as “Bob”, his reasons for returning to Toronto for the third time in 1969 to continue his and Ono’s peace campaign.

Lennon mentions his plans for a music festival at “Monsoon Park”, which the reporter corrects to Mosport Park. He also speaks about The Beatles’ forthcoming Let It Be album and film, both of which were scheduled for release in February 1970.

During the interview Lennon holds up a copy of the Live Peace In Toronto 1969 album. He had brought 20 copies from London, but 12 were left with customs officials upon arrival in Toronto to avoid paying duty charges.