15 September 1967: Washington, DC to External - Prepare for a "Momentous Decision"

On September 15, 1967, the Canadian embassy in Ottawa reported that “a momentous decision is about to be taken with consequences reaching far into an unforeseeable future.” This was in reference to the anticipated American decision to deploy an ABM system, which was “intended as a barrier against red Chinese nuclear warheads.” The Canadians noted the pro-ABM influence of the Joint Chiefs and multiple members of Congress, and speculated with some concern whether this pressure could result in the development of a full ABM system to counter the Soviets.