1. Cabinet approval was given on December 7, 1955,¹ to certain matters regarding future policy and the continuance of the Canadian Mutual Aid Programme, but at a reduced level, with increasing emphasis on content, which, while fitting in to the Canadian defence and production pattern, will be of important assistance to the urgent needs in Europe.

2. During the discussion, the suggested level of the 1956-57 programme emerged and provision has been made in the Department of National Defence Estimates for 1956-57 for a Mutual Aid Programme of $143 million.

3. The attached detailed programme for 1956-57 provides for:

(a) the estimated carry-over on approved items of "direct production for Mutual Aid" and, under the same category, the amount of $2,985,000 to maintain minimum production of cannon powder, flashless cordite, rifle powder, composition "B" and 3"50 empty shell;

(b) the estimated Canadian contribution for Infrastructure, Military Budgets and carry-over on the production of crypto-materiel;

(c) new items of equipment acquired since March 31, 1950, planned for transfer by the Services (in addition to certain items carried over from previous programmes), are:

• Equipment Radar 501B 14
• Generating Sets 18 KW 14
• Carrier Half Truck MMG, 50M16 32
• Sabre V Aircraft 75
• Sabre II Aircraft - Spares support for third year,
  plus commitment for fourth year spares
• Sundry Armament, Pyrotechnics and Photographic equipment

4. The proposed offer of Sabre V Aircraft will include the initial range of spares, ground handling equipment, training aids, publications and technical representations.

5. Pursuant to Cabinet approval of December 7, 1955, the amounts programmed for "equipment acquired prior to March 31, 1950", for the Army $8,000,000 and Air Force $1,000,000, represent the estimated costs likely to be incurred in making this equipment available as Mutual Aid.

6. As there is considerable advantage in obtaining recommendations on allocation of equipment from the Standing Group early in the fiscal year, it is recommended that new offerings of Canadian Mutual Aid should be made at the earliest possible date, and that the programme for 1956-57 be approved on the basis referred to above and as detailed in the attached appendices.²

[R.O. Campney]

[PIÈCE JOINTE/ENCLOSURE]

Appendice A³
Appendix A³

MUTUAL AID PROGRAMME - 1956-57

MUTUAL AID PROGRAMME - 1956-57