Canada and the United States Formalize NORAD

After the Second World War, Canada and the United States increasingly organized their defense around the possibility of a Soviet air attack. Bombers approaching across the Arctic made Canadian territory central to American warning and interception plans. During the 1950s, the two countries built the Pinetree, Mid-Canada, and Distant Early Warning radar lines, alongside the air bases needed to send fighters against approaching aircraft. [1]

American participation helped meet the enormous cost of the network but placed American personnel and equipment on Canadian soil. Ottawa had to reconcile joint defense with control over its territory and armed forces. Negotiators needed to decide who would receive warnings, who could direct the response, and which decisions would remain with each national government. [1] [2]

An interim air defence headquarters was already operating in Colorado Springs when Canada and the United States exchanged diplomatic notes on 12 May 1958. The notes formally established the North American Air Defence Command and gave the arrangement an agreed basis for the next ten years. [2]

The threat of aircraft carrying nuclear weapons left little time for consultation once an attack began. The two governments needed to agree on plans in advance so their forces could identify an attack and respond before ordinary diplomatic exchanges could run their course. Forces assigned to continental air defence would operate under a common commander, with either country’s warning and defence dependent on what happened over the other. [2]

Both governments retained control over appointments, approving a commander and deputy who were to come from different countries. Each also remained responsible for the administration and support of its own forces. [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Norman Robertson [3] [4]

Related Reading

• Canada and the United States