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Exchange of Notes (April 15 and June 30, 1971) between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America concerning the Deactivation of the Stephenville Radar Station and the Transfer to Canada of Responsibility for the Manning and the Military Personnel Costs of the Melville Station [1971] CATSer 14 (30 June 1971)

E101013 - CTS 1971 No. 24

EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING THE DEACTIVATION OF THE STEPHENVILLE RADAR STATION AND THE TRANSFER TO CANADA OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANNING AND THE MILITARY PERSONNEL COSTS OF THE MELVILLE STATION

I

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

OTTAWA, April 15, 1971

No. 56

The Acting Secretary of State for External Affairs
Ottawa

Sir:

I have the honor to refer to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada regarding the Operation of the Continental Radar Defense System Within Canada effected by an exchange of notes dated August 1, 1951, as amended.

Pursuant to this Agreement, various radar stations have been established, including those at Stephenville, Newfoundland and Melville, Labrador. In accordance with arrangements concluded by representatives of our two Governments under the 1951 Agreement, the Government of the United States is responsible for the manning and financing of the radar stations at Stephenville and Melville.

As a result of recent discussions which have taken place between representatives of our two Governments, the Government of the United States now proposes to deactivate the Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Stephenville on or before June 30, 1971. All associated radar, communications and support facilities, except the short range tactical air navigation (TACAN) facility, will also be deactivated. The TACAN facility located near the Stephenville site will continue in operation. Details for the deactivation of the Stephenville radar station will be worked out between the appropriate authorities of our two Governments. The disposition of excess United States property at the sites will be in accordance with the exchange of notes of our two Governments of August 28, 1961, and September 1, 1961, concerning the Disposal of United States Excess Property in Canada.

The Government of the United States further proposes that, effective July 1, 1971, the Government of Canada assume responsibility for the manning of the Melville Station and the military personnel costs associated therewith. The Government of the United States will continue to be responsible for the operation and maintenance costs of this station. These cost-sharing arrangements for the Melville station will be included in the proposed new Pinetree Cost-Sharing Agreement, which is currently being discussed by representatives of our two Governments.

If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government of Canada, I have the honor to propose that your reply and my note regarding this matter shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments which shall enter into effect upon the date of your reply.

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

Adolph W. Schmidt

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

OTTAWA, June 30, 1971

No. DFR-1250

His Excellency Mr. A. W. Schmidt
Ambassador of the United States of America
Ottawa

Excellency,

I have the honour to refer to your Note No. 56 of April 15, 1971, regarding the Government of the United States' proposal to deactivate the Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Stephenville radar station, Newfoundland, on or before June 30, 1971, and to transfer to the Canadian Government, effective July 1, 1971, responsibility for the manning of the Melville radar station, Labrador, and the military personnel costs associated therewith.

The proposals contained in Your Excellency's Note are acceptable to the Government of Canada. It is agreed that your Note and this reply, which is authentic in English and in French, shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments on this subject which shall enter into force the date of this Note.

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

Mitchell Sharp