Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback Canadian Treaty Series

Exchange of Notes between Canada and the United States of America constituting an Agreement on Civil Defence Co-ordination [1951] CATSer 3 (27 March 1951)

E103612 - CTS 1951 No. 3

EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONSTITUTING AN AGREEMENT ON CIVIL DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION

I

The Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America to the Secretary of State of the United States of America

CANADIAN EMBASSY

WASHINGTON, March 27, 1951

No. 161

Sir:

I have the honour to refer to the conference held in Ottawa on February 21, 1951, of Civil Defence authorities of the Governments of the United States of America and Canada.

Pursuant to the unanimous recommendation of that conference, I am instructed by the Canadian Government to propose that an agreement in the following terms be concluded between our Governments:

"As far as possible, Civil Defence activities in the United States and Canada should be co-ordinated for the protection of persons and property from the result of enemy attack as if there were no border. The following arrangements are made to ensure such co-ordination in matters of Civil Defence.

Except as regards matters of broad government policy, for which the diplomatic channels would be appropriate, the normal channel of communication between the two countries with regard to civil defence matters will be between the Co-ordinator of Civil Defence in Canada (or any successor authority) and the Administrator, Federal Civil Defence Administration in the United States (or any successor authority), referred to hereafter as the "Federal Civil Defence Authority" or "Authorities". This will not prevent the use of other channels where appropriate, or as may be authorized by the Federal Civil Defence Authorities, but in the event of other channels of communication or agencies of co-operation being used, the Federal Civil Defence Authority in each country will be informed immediately. The Federal Civil Defence Authority in each country will keep the other informed about developments under consideration and action taken regarding:

(a) Organization, legislation and regulations (including federal, state and provincial) for Civil Defence.

(b) Material, equipment, supplies and facilities (research, development, standardization and availability).

(c) Training (schools, courses, pamphlets, methods, etc.).

(d) Arrangements with state, provincial and municipal authorities and other agencies.

(e) Public information and education.

The Federal Civil Defence Authority of each country will:

(a) Exchange personnel at a working level.

(b) Offer training facilities to students designated by the other country.

So that all civil defence supplies, equipment and facilities (including medical, hospital, firefighting, police, rescue, evacuation, welfare, transportation, communication and other similar services) may be utilized to the fullest extent in connection with civil defence preparations, exercises and action, appropriate legislation will be sought, regulations made or instructions given in connection with customs immigration, integration of services and facilities and other matters whether under federal, state, provincial or municipal jurisdiction.

State and provincial Civil Defence authorities in adjacent jurisdictions will be authorized by the Federal Civil Defence authorities to confer together to insure co-operation between them on civil defence. Similarly, state and provincial authorities will be empowered by the Federal Civil Defence authorities to authorize co-operation between border municipalities to co-ordinate planning and provide for immediate warning and action in the event of attack. Such co-operation will be in accordance with the policy laid down in each country by the Federal Civil Defence Authority.

The cost of civil defence assistance furnished by one country in connection with an attack upon the other country shall be reimbursed by the country attacked.

The Federal Civil Defence Authorities will co-operate in recommending to their respective governments a detailed financial agreement to give effect to this policy.

A Joint United States/Canadian Civil Defence Committee is hereby established. The Committee will consist of the Federal Civil Defence Authorities and such other members as may be designated by them. The Committee may establish, from time to time, such working groups and sub-committees as may be necessary. This Committee will recommend, jointly, to their respective governments such action as is considered desirable to insure the closest co-operation."

If this proposal is acceptable to your Government, this Note and your reply will constitute an agreement between our two governments on this subject which will enter into force on the date of your Note and which may be terminated on six months' notice by either Government

Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

H. H. Wrong

II

The Secretary of State of the United States of America to the Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WASHINGTON, March 27, 1951

Excellency:

I have the honor to refer to your Note No. 161 of March 27, 1951, containing recommendations for civil defence co-operation which have been agreed upon by the civil defence authorities of the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada.

The proposals contained in your note are acceptable to the Government of the United States of America, and it is agreed that your note and this reply thereto shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments on this subject which shall enter into force on the date of this note and which may be terminated on six months notice by either Government.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

Dean Acheson