The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that there is no basis for the positive talk about a successful North American free-trade agreement renegotiation. The Globe's Lawrence Martin writes that on the key issues, with the exception of auto trade, nothing has changed. While talks are more constructive, the divide remains wide. Washington has yet to take any of its tough demands off the table. As for the Canadian side, there has been no give either. An unnamed insider says, "I can't tell you where we've given because we haven't yet." Given the divisions, what is hoped for now, as opposed to a real agreement, is a preliminary accord or an agreement in principle. Mr. Martin says it would come as kind of a stop-gap measure, a time saver, a signal at least that they have not given up. He says one sign of encouragement is a more accommodating approach from U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer. Mr. Martin note that no foreign minister has ever spent as much time in Washington as Chrystia Freeland. Mr. Martin says something has got to give and the betting line is that there will be an interim agreement that punts the problems down the line. It will be a non-deal announced as a new deal.