29 October 1962: To the Prime Minister

Because of the increasing uncertainty as to what the final Canadian position should be, the telegram containing the final instructions for Ignatieff was not signed but rather “put up to the Prime Minister” for final approval. Compiled in this document are the final instructions given to Ignatieff, the draft of the instructions, and the memorandum sent to the Prime Minister describing the issues at hand. The memorandum for the Prime Minister makes it clear that although they still do not think that the selective use of nuclear weapons should have a place in the BERCON plans, Canada would be isolated in Council if they pushed the issue any further.

The memo and the draft of the telegram conclude that Canada should accept the BERCON plans “in principle and for planning purposes” but also include an official statement of reservation in regard to the “selective use of nuclear weapons.” Prime Minister Diefenbaker slashes out the part of the telegram instructing Ignatieff to make reservations and the final version is a simple acceptance of the BERCON plans.