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Exchange of Notes (August 29 and September 2, 1958) between Canada and the United States of America concerning the Establishment of Canada-United States Committee on Joint Defence [1958] CATSer 13 (2 September 1958)

E100968 - CTS 1958 No. 22

EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CANADA-UNITED STATES COMMITTEE ON JOINT DEFENCE

I

The Secretary of State for External Affairs to the Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada

DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

OTTAWA, August 29, 1958

No. 159

Excellency,

I have the honour to refer to recent discussions between representatives of our two Governments concerning the establishment of a Canada-United States Ministerial Committee which would consider periodically important matters affecting the joint defence of our two countries.

In these discussions due note was taken of the intimate co-operation of our two Governments in matters relating to continental defence and of the number of joint bodies of civil and military officials which have been established to consider defence problems of common concern. It was recognized that the agreement of the two Governments to integrated air defence arrangements increased the importance of regular consultations between them on all matters affecting the joint defence of Canada and the United States.

It was agreed that the importance and complexity of these interdependent defence relationships made it essential to supplement existing channels for consultation and to provide for a periodic review at the Ministerial level of problems which might be expected to arise. It was envisaged that the periodic review would include not only military questions but also the political and economic aspects of joint defence problems.

I have the honour to propose, therefore, that our two Governments agree:

A. That there shall be established a Canada-United States Committee on Joint Defence to consist:

For Canada, of the Secretary of State for External Affairs, the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Finance; and

For the United States, of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defence and the Secretary of the Treasury,

together with such other appropriate Cabinet Members as either Government may designate from time to time as the need arises;

B. That the Committee's function shall be:

1) To consult periodically on any matters affecting the joint defence of Canada and the United States;

2) In particular, to exchange information and views at the Ministerial level on problems that may arise, with a view to strengthening further the close and intimate co-operation between the two Governments on joint defence matters;

3) To report to the respective Governments on such discussions in order that consideration may be given to measures deemed appropriate and necessary to improve defence co-operation;

C. That the Committee shall meet once a year or more often as may be considered necessary by the two Governments;

D. That the Committee shall meet alternately in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, the chairman to be a Canadian member when the meetings are held in Canada, and a United States member when meetings are held in the United States.

My Government believes that this further development in the essential collaboration of our two Governments in continental defence will assist in the maintenance and development of the individual and collective capacity of the two countries to fulfil their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty for the maintenance of international peace and security.

If the Government of the United States concurs in the foregoing proposals, I propose that this Note and your reply should constitute an agreement between our two Governments effective from the date of your reply to remain in force until such time as either Government shall have given notice in writing of its desire to terminate the agreement.

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

Sidney Smith

Secretary of State for External Affairs

II

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada to the Secretary of States for External Affairs

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

OTTAWA, September 2, 1958

Note No. 54

The Honorable Sidney E. Smith
Secretary of State for External Affairs
Ottawa

Sir:

I have the honor to refer to your Note No. 159 of August 29, 1958 concerning the establishment of a Canada-United States Ministerial Committee which would consider periodically important matters affecting the joint defense of our two countries.

My Government concurs in the proposals contained in your note and agrees that this exchange of notes will constitute an agreement between our two Governments effective this date and to remain in force until such time as either Government shall have given notice in writing of its desire to terminate the agreement.

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

Livingstone T. Merchant