External Affairs Draft for Discussion Purposes: Problems which might be posed for Canada, if the United States were to become involved in hostilities over the Chinese offshore islands, February 17, 1955

This document outlines a range of problems and possible actions for Canada if the US were to become involved in the Chinese offshore islands dispute. Canadian officials present a variety of options based on varying degrees of possible US involvement in China and in relation to possible Soviet threats. Though stating a concern for the free world over the situation, the Canadian government had not yet made any commitments regarding the Far East and would only get involved should the UN approve an intervention.

However, Canadian officials noted that should the US become involved in China, it would be hard to separate its requests for support in China from anti-Soviet precautionary measures overseas and in its continental defence. American requests could include overflight of Canadian territory to deploy U.S. Strategic Air Command aircraft and nuclear weapons to Alaska and Goose Bay, precautionary or full alert of the continental air defence, and cooperation in full mobilization of the air defence. Canadian officials noted that the US had been acting cautiously and were unlikely to deploy nuclear weapons in China; yet, if the US were to get involved, the Canadian response would have to be limited and aimed at preventing an escalation to a broader war that could draw in the Soviets. The Soviets had promised to back China, though this support was tied to an attack only by Japan or its ally, as outlined in the Sino-Soviet treaty.

This document also discusses a range of possible developments regarding the Far East and North American continental defence.