The Future of Canadian–U.S. Defense Relations

Abstract

Canadian--United States defense relations are strong, but they are likely weaken if current trends in Canadian defense policy continue. The future of U.S.--Canadian defense relationship will largely be determined by Canadian decisions. The most useful strategy for U.S. adopt influence Canadian decision-making might be present specific suggestions. The strength of U.S. Canadian defense relationship is based on history, shared values, and shared experience. These factors have produced mutual confidence. They have been reinforcing--creating an ever stronger and broader whole. Today, this relationship is so large that no one in either country really knows its full extent. Yet it is only as strong as willingness of both countries sustain it. Basis of U.S.--Canadian Defense Relations The starting point for current phase of our defense relationship was period 1938-1940. In 1938, recognizing danger ahead, President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Mackenzie King issued reciprocal statements of mutual support: During a visit Canada in August of that year, President Roosevelt said, the people of United States would not stand idly by if domination of Canadian soil is threatened by any other empire. Prime Minister King replied shortly thereafter saying, we, too have our obligations as a good friendly neighbor, and one of them is that, at our own instance, our country is made as immune from attack or possible invasion as we can reasonably be expected make it, and that should occasion ever arise, enemy forces should not be able pursue their way either by land, sea, or air United States across Canadian territory. (1) This became foundation of existing defense relationship between two countries. (2) Institutionalization and Expansion of Defense Relationship Institutionalization of principles enunciated by President and Prime Minister followed in August 1940 at a meeting between them in Ogdensburg, New York. In a long discussion night of 30th, President proposed a Joint Board, discuss defending north east approaches North America. [Prime Minister] King suggested that such a board be permanent and handle other continental defense issues as well. (3) Having reached agreement, two leaders issued a press release announcing establishment of Joint on Defense (the PJBD). The was to consider in broad sense defense of north half of Western Hemisphere. (4) The word was chosen advisedly. As Dean Acheson, Board's second U.S. Chairman and later Secretary of State, told Canadian Club in Ottawa in 1952, name of is both significant and interesting. The expression Permanent Joint Board was no accident, but was careful decision of Prime Minister MacKenzie King and President Franklin Roosevelt, both of whom laid great stress on word permanent....This Joint is not founded on any treaty or any legislative act. It is not set up devise treaties or agreements. It is an organization made up of equal numbers of Americans and Canadians, who consider defense questions and make joint recommendations their two governments. (5) In words of President Roosevelt, The was not designed to meet alone this particular situation but help secure continent for future. (6) One of first recommendations of PJBD was that a plan for joint defense of North America be prepared. (7) This advice was accepted and began a planning process that continues this day, and is currently reflected in Basic Security Document (essentially policy guidance for planning process) and Combined Defense Plan. (8) These plans are revised regularly. This process was strengthened in December 2002 as will be discussed below. The establishment of PJBD led an accepted way of doing business between Canada and U. …