2-8 January 1951: Preliminary Canadian Discussions
In early 1951, the issue of United States Strategic Air Command (SAC) operations from leased bases on Canadian soil became a prominent agenda item in Ottawa. Seeking a “canopy agreement” in order to clarify the understanding and communication regarding potential military action from Canadian bases, the US Department of Defense sent initial thoughts to Ottawa in the form of the “Pentagon Paper.” While the Canadian government generally approved of US operations from the bases for the purposes of North American and North Atlantic defence, including a nuclear response to a Soviet strike, concerns remain. A memorandum to the prime minister following review of the Pentagon Paper, for example, points to the lack of US consultation as an issue.
Document Viewer
Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs draft letter, "Proposed U.S. Strategic Air Command projects at Goose Bay," 2 Jan. 1951, LAC, RG 25, vol. 4758, file no. 50069-C-40, part 1; Canadian Ambassador to the United States to Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, "Proposed U.S. Strategic Air Command projects," 3 Jan. 1951, LAC, RG 25, vol. 4758, file no. 50069-C-40, part 1; "Proposed Substance of a Communication with the Canadian Government," LAC, RG 25, vol. 4758, file no. 50069-C-40, part 1.
