Exercise Sidestep, 1959

In the early autumn of 1959, NATO conducted Exercise Sidestep in Central Europe. This exercise envisioned a scenario where the Council observed the "other side" moving missiles to the forward area, prompting the launch of "R-Hour," which involved the release of an atomic strike force. This marked the first major NATO Exercise where nuclear war was assumed. Secretary General Paul-Henri Spaak emphasised that Exercise Sidestep raised several crucial questions, including the deployment of troops in the shield area, the functioning of various headquarters and commands, the challenges of integrating NATO defence, and the complex issue of dealing with refugees in the event of nuclear war in continental Europe [CDEX00556, CDEX00555]. The Canadian Delegation observed that the "use of atomic weapons is more or less taken for granted by commands," highlighting the growing perception that distinctions between conventional and atomic weapons were becoming increasingly unrealistic [CDEX00556]. Additionally, the Delegation noted that American atomic warheads were being sent from their usual stockpiles to battalion formations, adding a layer of realism to the exercise. Surprisingly, the decision to use atomic warheads in this manner did not trigger any discussions or considerations of its political implications.