1 20 1 https://declassified.library.utoronto.ca/files/original/782c5e25c3725d78937fdc62b27981a5.pdf 59db8ddb04082aeee65deac30b985a4e PDF Text Text — - (-/— D.—e C - Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act )/ — • D Decurelt dvulgdeen vertu de la Loi sur l'acces a rinformation 0 L-- • / DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SECURITY REFERENCE SLIP — PCO DM/DDP DM/Pub lie Works DM/DND DM/Transport RON Treasury Board Canadian Army RCAF______ . <CMD--- ==> SECRET . Ottawa, To: DM/Health Joint Staff& Welfare - —M/N a t i on a 1 Rev enue—2 March 14, .Ce 1963 C/4 DM/Northern Affairs Northern Canada Power Com. The documents described below are attached for your information: Minutes of an inter-departmental meeting held on February 22 re Phase-Out of SAC Refuelling Facilities Also referred to: 0/ 421 ' L 0880 — A. R. Menzies Ext. 67B (Rev. 2/54) Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs 000218 �I Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur l'acces a I'information S E CRET March 4, 1963 INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MEETING PHASE-OUT OF SAC REFUELLING FACILITIES February 22, 1963 An inter-departmental meeting was held at 2:30.p.m., February 22, 1963 in the Large Conference Room of the East Block to discuss the proposed phase-out of SAC refuelling facilities at Frobisher, Churchill, Cold Lake and Namao. Present were: Department of External Affairs Mr. Ross Campbell (Chairman) Mr. A. R. Menzies Mr. J. Si Nutt Mr. G. Rejhon Department of Defence Production Mr* M. L. Card Department of National Defence Mr. G. Y. Loughead Royal Canadian Navy Captain J. Pickford Cdr: J. Carling Col, H.H.A. Parker W/C P. Holloway S/L W. Morgan Col. R. G. Kingstone S/L J. Dixie Canadian Army Royal Canadian Air Force I Joint Staff 4. Department of National Health and Welfare Dr. J. S. Willis Dr. J. H* Wiebe Mr. I. C. Ellis Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources i Northern Canada Power. Commission Mr. F.J.B. Cunningham Mr. G. W. Rowley Mr. A. Bi Yates. Mr. E. W. Humphrys Privy Council Office Mr, D, B. Dewar Department of Public Works Mr. A. s. Gardner Department of Transport Mr. J. E. Devine Mr. J* Li Hurley Mr. E. P. Flynn Treasury Board Mr. J. L. Fry ...2 000219 J �Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur l'acces a I'information 2 2 - 2. Mr. Campbell said that the meeting had been called to begin an orderly examination on an inter-departmental basis of the full implications of the proposed phase-out of the four SAC refuelling facilities in Canada. The United States appeared to be cons idering this phase-out from a strictly military viewpoint but. as the varied make-up of the meeting indicated, the Canadian interest in the phase-out had a much wider scope.. The chief functions of the committee would be to determine the principal impact that the phase-out will have on the various Canadian interests and to prepare a report to Cabinet* 3. Mr. Campbell reviewed the background of the problem. Initially, last December the USAF had informally notified the RCAF of their intention to phase-out the refuelling facilities. At a meeting of the PJBD in February the USAF Member indicated that with phasing-out of the B-47 Bomber the requirement for refuelling bases would no longer be justified. He had indicated that present planning called for phasing out facilities at Fort Churchill and Frobisher by July 1, 1963, and Gold Lake and Namao by July 1, 1964. 4. With regard to termination procedures, Mr. Campbell called attention to paragraph 12 of the Annex of the Note of June 20, 1958 concerning the operation of the aerial refuelling facilities: "The U. S, may operate the aerial refuelling facilities project for a period of ten years, or such shorter period as agreed upon by the two Governments in the light of their mutual defence interests". He went on to say that the United States Embassy had indicated that the U. S. Government had decided not to inform the Canadian Government officially of its intention until after the federal election on April 8. There were a number of general problems, apart from each 5. Department’s particular problem: , (1) The Order of Priority of Phase-Out In desiring to phase-out Churchill and Frobisher first, the USAF had ohosen the two which presented the greater difficulties for Canada, At both bases, and Frobisher in particular, a number of adjustments would have to be made in present plans and alternative use of the facilities involved a number of departments, the various interests of which required to be reconciled. Namao and Cold Lake, on the other hand, were of concern only to the RCAF. (2) Timing of the Phase-Out It seemed that the USAF had left itself little flexibility since it appeared that no funds had been programmed for these Operations after the proposed phase-out dates, i.e. July 1, 1963 for Frobisher and Churchill. There had, however, been some intimation since the PJBD meeting that it might prove embarrassing to the USA itself to liquidate completely the refuelling facilities. The information reseived from the U. S. Embassy on the intention to withhold formal notification had referred to "other important reasons" not apparently connected with Canadian considerations. (3) Withholding Formal Notification Withholding formal notification of the United States intention to withdraw from these bases would make even more difficult the Canadian task of meeting the deadline because it would not be possible, until such notification had been received »..3 000220 �Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loisurl'acces a /'information 3 and without precise knowledge of the U. S. intentions, to set in motion the various procedures for terminating the agreement, halting supply lines and making arrangements for alternative uses of the facilities. In view of the short time which would be available to discuss fully the main aspects of this matter and to secure a decision from Cabinet, it seemed desirable that we should ask that the United States send formal notification of their intention as soon as possible. It would be understood, of course,'that there would be no publicity given to such notification. (4) Publicity There should be no publicity over the next two months. It had recently been agreed with the CCOS that there should be no press release notwithstanding the recent press "leak" about the phase-out at Churchill and Frobisher. Ministers did not wish attention drawn to the proposed phase-out and any questions should be replied to with "no comment". We would inform the U. S. that no publicity was intended. There followed, general discussion of the points raised by @ethe Chairman during which it developed that the Government's plans for Frobisher could be substantially affected by the proposed phase-out, Mr. Cunningham (Northern Affairs) pointed out that approximately $12 million of contracts were due to be let in April by public tender and a $3 million contract was already under way. This contracting had been planned without reference to the latest USAF proposal. Mr. Gardner (Public Works) said that current plans could be substantially affected by the proposed phase-out and Consequent availability of buildings at Frobisher. On the Northern Affairs, and Public Works side, there was a definite interest in obtaining early possession of buildings vacated at Frobisher. Mr. Loughead (National Defence) said that the priority of phase-out as between the two western and two eastern bases was immaterial to his Department. The actual timing in each case would, however, be relevant to the need to terminate contracts for fuel and labour. At Namao and Cold Lake only 30 days notice was required. The requirements of other Departments were obviously the key ones. Mr. Devine (Transport) said that from his Department's viewpoint it was immaterial when SAC left Frobisher. Disposition of POL and alternative use of tankage would be a problem, but these could be worked out. 7. Wing Commander Holloway said that the RCAF understood that the USAF intended vacating the refuelling facilities completely and that the buildings and other fixtures would revert to Canada. He believed, however, that it was intended that there should be a run-down period after July 1, 1963 since the facilities were intended, he thought, to be fully operational up to June 30. 8 It was agreed. (a) that the Department of External Affairs should inform the United States Embassy as soon as possible that: (i) the original order of priority of phase-out cuegag ted by USAF, i.e. Frobisher and Churchill first, was agreeable to Canadian authorities; ( ii) as to timing, the Canadian authorities would like to know as soon as possible when the USAF proposed phasing out and what buildings would be available and when. So far 000221 .. .4 �Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loisur l'acces a Tinformation 4 4 ’as Frobisher was concerned the original date for phase-out would be acceptable. (If any precise information were desired by Departments on aspects of timing or on accommodation availability including any continuing requirements of USAF, these should be communicated to External Affairs (Mr, Nutt on local 27-921) for collation*. Subsequently arrangements could be made to obtain clarification); (iii) to this end the United States authorities should be invited to present a draft note as soon as possible and in.any event before March 15; (iv) the United States authorities should not be invited, for the moment, to send teams to Ottawa and the bases to discuss disposition of facilities but should be invited to consult through diplomatic channels where civilian departments were concerned and through service channels where DND only was concerned. 90The Chairman then invited the RCAF . the Canadian Army and Department of Transport Representatives to brief the meeting on the present situation at Namao and Cold Lake, Churchill and Frobisher respectively. S (a) Namao and Cold Lake Wing Commander Holloway said that with regard to Namao and Cold Lake, there was no major problem except the loss of revenue to the Canadian economy generally. Excluding internal expenses such as salaries for USAF personnel, the USAF has been spending approximately #1.6 million a year for wages to civilian employees, petrol, oil and lubricants, etc., to maintain these facilities. The loss of revenue factor of course applied to all four bases. The question of contracts should not present a problem in that 30 days’ notice was considered sufficient for terminating them. The same 30 days’ notice was required for laying-off any civilian employees of whom some 200 to 300 were involved ,at Namao, Cold Lake and Churchill. All Canadian civilians employed for USAF’s operations were hired by the RCAF which was reimbursed by USAF. It was probable that many of these employees could be absorbed by the RCAF. As for USAF personnel living off the base, there were very few at Cold Lake and possibly about 100 from Namao living in Edmonton. (b) Churchill Colonel Parker said that at Churchill there are 130 civilian employees employed by the Canadian Army for USAF. If the USAF refuelling facility was phased-out completely, probably only about 50 of these would be retained. With regard to buildings, the permanent "Alert” building did not seem to be wanted by anyone because of its isolated location. There was a good chance that the nose hangars and shops might be.put to use.. In response to a question by DOT, Colonel Parker said that it was not expected there would be any substantial effect on the availability of diesel fuel at Churchill. As for tankage availability, there would be storage capacity for some 3-4 million gallons. ...5 000222 y 2a �1 I Document disclosed under the Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loi sur l'acces a Hnformation 5 Squadron Leader Morgan added that it might be possible to make good use of tankage capacity at Churchill by cross-linkage to the U. S. tankage. One and one-half miles of pipeline exist at Churchill. Use of the USAF tankage would be contingent upon a satisfactory cleaning. This might prove difficult, particularly if USAF decided to abandon some fuel. Mr. Loughead said that these were administrative details and agreed that if necessary USAF might be requested to dispose of remaining fuel supplies. As far as alternative use of facilities abandoned by USAF at Churchill was concerned, since the base at Churchill was a DND responsibility, the USAF facilities there would in turn become that Department's responsibility. Mr. Loughead agreed, subsequently, that there would be no objection to the Department of Public Works collating information on the facilities at Churchill and other departments' requirements for space. He mentioned that DND had available the construction plans, including detailed layouts of buildings at Frobisher, which might be useful to departments concerned with alternative uses of facilities at Frobisher. He believed, in response to a question, that the proposed phase-out and consequent aval 1 ahi 1ity of space would not involve the Provincial Government. Discussions were under way with the Provincial Government on hospital facilities but this was a different question. Mr. Cunningham mentioned that his Department might have a requirement for space at Churchill depending on whether it was decided to locate a regional headquarters there or at Rankin Inlet. ,c ) Frobisher Mr. Hurley (Transport) said that, with regard to Frobisher, DOT had a working agreement with the USAF. Contracts for maintenance and with suppliers called for 90 days’ notice. If the USAF planned to be out of Frobisher by July 1, it would be necessary to know very soon, in order to prepare for termination of the various contracts. There were 120 personnel employed by DOT in its various operations at Frobisher. These would either have to be released or new jobs found for them. USAF was responsible for any termination charges on contracts. They were 190 1 * hl e for chorres incidental to of cpiyoes to closing the facilities, e.g. tra southern Canada and for disposition of existing food urrling and POL. It cost the USAF appr oximately $3 million a year to operate their facilities at Frobisher exclusive of the operation of aircraft. On top of this DOT operations cost $1,750,000 per year. If the USAF left, not only would the entire USAF expenditure of $3 million be lost but the DOT operations would also have to be cut back. Use of Frobisher by commercial airlines had been dropping off significantly in the past few years. Only a very few international flights still used Frobisher and it was being It appeared that this used mainly for emergency landings. trend will continue since jets were not expected to use • • 6 000223 �Document disclosed underthe Access to Information Act Document divulgue en vertu de la Loisur l'acces a I'information C 6 Frobisher. While Frobisher was available as a refuelling stop for international flights it was thought there was no obligation under ICAO tomaintain it as such. It was agreed that existing air agreements should be examined to determine whether any amendments would be required as a result of the discontinuance of emergency landing and refuelling facilities at Frobisher. To this end External Affairs would consult with DOT. Mr. Cunningham said that Northern Affairs had one important requirement with regard to Frobis her, and that was to know the exact dates on which the various buildings would be available for use by the Canadian Government and incidentally what space would be available to Northern Affairs. The $12 million contract programme could not be altered until this information was available. If there were any delay beyond April then a year's operations would be forfeited. Mr. Gardner Invited all interested departments to submit their views on accommodation and particularly their requirements at Frobisher to the Department of Public Works. Mr. Loughead said that any planned use might consider relocating the RON at Frobisher which in turn would enable it to give up the accommodation it presently occupied. He also reminded the meeting, for the record, that while Frobisher was operated by DOT, in fact it was legally the property of DND. In response to a question, Mr. Loughead said that it was not planned to put the USAF facilities at Frobisher to an alternative military use. In response to a question from Mr. Dewar, Colonel Kingstone said the question of the defence of Frobisher was before the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff. 10. The Chairman summed up as indicated on page 3 and it was further agreed that: ( a) the Department of Public Works would review and assess Departmental requirements at Frobisher and would allocate space in the light of information on availability received from the U. S. authorities. That Department would also collate information on the availability of space and Departmental requirements at Churchill, it being understood that final responsibility for allocating lay with DND; (b) inter-departmental consideration of alternative use of accommodation might be carried on under a "confidential" classification; (c) the record of the meeting should be distributed to Departments represented and in addition to the ROMP and Department of National Revenue; (d) External Affairs with DOT would examine existing air agreements to determine whether any amendments would be required as a result of the discontinuance of emergency landing and refuelling facilities at Frobisher. 000224 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. 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Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CDAC02742 Title A name given to the resource Inter-Departmental Meeting: Phase-out of SAC Refuelling Facilities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/4/1963 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived RG25-A-3-b, Volume number: 5911, File number: 50195-40, pt 7-1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource LAC Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Canadian Crown Subject The topic of the resource SAC Refuelling Facilities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Canada Declassified Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource en