We have received information from the United States Defence Department that they are seeking the President's authority to open negotiations with Canada for the use of atomic weapons over Canada. They further inform us that we may expect the first approach in about six or eight weeks. They point out that the U.S. law requires the custody of nuclear weapons to be retained by U.S. personnel. They would however train our personnel in their use, provide information necessary to design equipment such as aircraft to carry the weapons, and provide siting equipment and other ancillaries. The United States inform us that they intend to make similar proposals to other nations but will approach Canada first. They further request that we give this matter the closest possible security coverage.

As the U.S. approach is not expected for six or eight weeks, there does not appear to be any immediate action which should be taken, except to ensure that there is no leak of information from Canadian sources. You may recall that questions were asked in Parliament last year regarding the possession and storage of atomic bombs in Canada and at that time Mr. Campney pointed out that, for security reasons, no answers could be given on this matter.¹²

It is not quite clear from the information received what the U.S. requirements in Canada are going to be. The phrase use of atomic weapons over Canada seems to indicate that what they are seeking is authority to use air-to-air missiles in Canadian air space and perhaps, looking more into the future, authority to use Canadian air space for the delivery of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

As mention is made of the U.S. law requiring that the custody of nuclear weapons be retained by U.S. personnel, this may indicate that they have intentions of requesting the storage of these weapons on Canadian territory. As you may be aware, this question of storage was approached some years ago regarding the storage of weapons primarily for use by the United Kingdom, but this proposal was dropped when a security incident caused the abandonment of any UK-US collaboration in the supply of nuclear weapons. However arrangements were made at that time to allow the United States to construct a special building at Goose Bay for the purpose of holding atomic weapons.¹³ It is my recollection that this installation was agreed to provide facilities for the storage of nuclear weapons or components on a temporary basis while aircraft were being serviced or if aircraft became grounded.

With regard to the suggestion that information regarding design of equipment, such as aircraft to carry weapons, etc., would be supplied, I understand this is being accomplished on a Service-to-Service channel and that this collaboration would be continued. You will recall that at the meeting of consultation on 5 December¹⁴ I mentioned in discussing our requirements for air-to-air guided missiles (Sparrow) that we would be requiring at a later stage information and specifications on atomic warheads for this type of weapon.

I am sending this letter purely for your information and, as mentioned earlier, I do not think there is any action required now but I re-emphasize the need for the greatest possible security to avoid any leaks in Canada.

I will keep you informed of any further developments.

CHARLES FOULKES