1. In the approved Canada-United States Emergency Defence Plan the following planning directive is set out: "Air defence plans should be based upon the concept that the air defence of Canada and the United States is a single problem and that plans for the use of air defence resources of Canada and the United States must be developed on a combined basis so as to provide the most effective defence possible for agreed vital targets." A further step in the implementation of these accepted principles is the need for closer integration of Canadian and United States air defence. A study on the control of North American air defence forces was undertaken last autumn by a Joint Canadian-United States Study Group at the direction of the Canadian Chiefs of Staff Committee and the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff. (The conclusions and recommendations of the Military Study Group were submitted in December 1956, and are attached as Appendices "B" and "C").³² This study has concluded that the operational control of Canadian and United States air defence forces should be further integrated under a joint Canada-United States headquarters responsible to the Chiefs of Staff of both countries.

2. This principle of operational control in collective security arrangements is well established in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization where, for example, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe has operational control over all assigned national forces.

3. The establishment of an integrated operational control system for the air defence of Canada, the Continental United States and Alaska would be based on the following:

1. The Joint Canadian-United States Headquarters would be responsible for the following:
   1. In Peacetime. The development of plans and procedures to be used in war. These plans and procedures to be agreed to in peacetime and be ready for immediate use in an emergency. They will be reviewed, amended or approved by the Chiefs of Staff of both countries and Government approval will be sought before any plans are implemented. It will be responsible for the general pattern of training and the general supervision of practice exercises in order to ensure the readiness of the forces and facilities in time of emergency.
   2. In War. In time of war it will be responsible for the direction of air operations in accordance with the plans which have been agreed to in peacetime.
2. The Commanders of the national air defence forces of both countries will continue to be responsible, in both peace and war, for logistics, administration, discipline, internal organization and unit training under their respective national Chiefs of Staff.

4. It is considered that there are several advantages to Canada in accepting this form of integration, as this procedure:

1. Leaves with the Canadian Air Defence Commander complete command and administration over Canadian troops and equipment.
2. Affords the Canadian authorities early and continuing opportunities to influence and participate in the formulation of joint air defence policy.
3. Provides early opportunity for joint examination of intelligence and circumstances which may lead the United States authorities to call an alert.
4. Will provide a further channel for closer cooperation with the United States Air Force in the field of development and production of common techniques and equipment, and thus avoid unnecessary duplication.
5. Will provide an adequate basis for reaching a high standard of readiness and the least possible delay in passing from a peacetime to wartime footing.
6. Will bring the Air Defence Command in North America in line with the other Commands in NATO.

5. The United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United States Secretary of Defense have approved these proposals.

6. The terms of reference for the unified command will include the points set out in Appendix A.³³

7. The Chiefs of Staff recommend, and I concur, that approval in principle be given for the establishment of an integrated operational control system for the air defence of Canada, the Continental United States and Alaska, under a joint Canadian-United States headquarters, based on the provisions set out above.

[GEORGE PEARKES]

³²32. Voir/See Volume 23, Document 41

³³ Voir volume 23, la pièce jointe 2 du document 46./See Volume 23, Document 46, Enclosure 2.