16 March 1951: "Consultation" and "Information"

Writing to Hume Wrong, the Under-Secretary attempts to outline Ottawa’s position after a meeting with Lester Pearson and Brooke Claxton. While reaffirming their support for Strategic Air Command's use of Canadian bases for mutual defence, Ottawa emphasizes the need to make arrangements within the North Atlantic Treaty framework, where the United States has special responsibility for strategic air operations. External Affairs argues that any movement of nuclear components over Canadian territory would require diplomatic notification, and that authorizing the use of the bomb should involve "consultation," not simply "being informed."