FORM 6-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of May 2004                                Commission File No.:  1-31349

THE THOMSON CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Metro Center, One Station Place

Stamford, Connecticut 06902, United States

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F          Form 40-F   X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ____

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes  __    No  X

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  82-.



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number                     Description                                                                  

99.1                                         Press release dated May 13, 2004

                             

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                            THE THOMSON CORPORATION

                                                            By:  /s/ Deirdre Stanley             

                                                                   Name: Deirdre Stanley

                                                                   Title:   Senior Vice President and General Counsel

                                                                 

 Date: May 17, 2004