19 September 1967: Memorandum from D.M. Cornett- Washington's "Light" ABM Deployment

While Washington made efforts to consult with allies regarding ABMs, the information shared was often vague and contradictory, and left the Canadians with more questions than answers. In this memo to file, D.M. Cornett recounts one such information-sharing session: a NATO disarmament experts meeting following the U.S. announcement of a light ABM deployment.

In the meeting, American officials explained that the Soviets had not yet engaged in serious arms control talks and assured allies that they would continue to apply pressure. The Canadians asked the Americans about the impact of the deployment on non-proliferation treaty negotiations, but received a vague answer. A major Canadian priority - the potential impact of the ABM deployment on a Comprehensive Test Ban (CTB) also came up. While the Americans said that official U.S. policy still favoured the comprehensive test ban, they also acknowledged the importance of continued underground testing. A most unsatisfactory exchange, indeed.