19 December 1968: Draft Memorandum to the Cabinet - NORAD and ABM Defence

Two months after the PJBD meeting in Halifax, Canada’s position regarding the command and control of an ABM system (Sentinel) in North America was still being discussed, as in this draft memorandum to Cabinet, which concluded that “Canadian interests could best be served by having CINCNORAD responsible for the command and control of ABM system in North America.” The reason underlying this conclusion? Such participation would allow Canada to “influence the Sentinel firing doctrine on a day-to-day basis.” Furthermore, it would help keep Canada informed regarding ABM developments – an important consideration at the time, as Canadians were interested in keeping an eye on U.S.-Soviet SALT talks, and maintaining positive relationship with Washington.