22 September 1967: Memorandum from Disarmament Division - Implications for Canada of U.S. ABM Deployment

In response to a draft paper by C.J. Marshall in the Defence Liaison Division, D.M. Cornett of Disarmament outlined the major concerns and potential implications for Canada relating to U.S. ABM deployment. The first major problem considered was “how Canada should respond to the American invitation to participate in the ABM defence of North America.” Also raised was the potential impact of the U.S. decision on non-proliferation negotiations.

While Cornett wrote that ABMs might harm Canada’s interest in détente in Europe, there would be a greater concern in relation to China, as “Canadian participation in a light ABM defence of North America specifically oriented against the Chinese nuclear threat would not go unnoticed in Peking.” Cornett expressed concerned that such a move would be viewed as a hostile act, and could harm wheat trade with China. Additionally, he stressed that perceptions of Canada being closely aligned with Washington on this issue would have “negative implications for whatever hopes we may still have of seeing China brought into the UN and into the international dialogue on disarmament and other questions.”