U.S. Warheads For Canada

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30129, 13 May 1963, Page 15

U.S. Warheads For Canada

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) HYANNISPORT (Massachusetts), May 11. The United States and Canada reached an understanding today which may result in nuclear warheads being installed on Canadian missiles before the end of the year, the Associated Press reported today.

President Kennedy and the newly - elected Canadian P-.me Minister (Mr Pears <n) concluded two days of fi endly and informal talks at the President’s summer home today. They announced their two governments would begin discussions "‘without delay” looking towards acceptance by Canada of United States -nuclear weapons. In a communique issued at the nd of the talks they ’"affirmed their mutual interest in ensuring that bilateral defence arrangements are made as effective as possible and continually improved and adapted to suit changing circumstances and changing roles ” The communique said: ’"The Prime Minister confirmed his Government’s intention to initiate discussions with the United States Government leading without delay towards the fulfilment of Canada’s existing defence commitments in North America and Europe, consistent with Canadian Parliamentary procedures” Mr Pearson had frequently ysed similar language during the recent election campaign to refer to a 1959 agreement under which he said the Government of the former Prime Minister <Mr Diefenbaker) had agreed to accept nuclear warheads for Canada’s Bomarc missiles and Voodo jet interceptors United States officials said Mr Pearson had definitely

accepted this commitmem and had expressed a desire to carry it out with the utmost speed. One informed United States participant said the negotiations probably could be concluded by early next month and storage facilities be ready within three more months. Warheads could be installed by the end of the year. On other specific issues, the communique made these main points: The leaders reaffirmed the importance of a defenceproduction sharing programme and on the need to* co-operate in using the continent’s national resources such as oil. gas. electricity and strategic metals. They agreed to co-operate closely in the forthcoming, trade negotiations designed to carry out President Kennedy’s drastic tariff reduction plan. Mr Pearson informed the President that Canada will soon establish a fishing zone extending 12 miles from Canada’s coasts. President Kennedy reserved the United States position in favour of the existing three-mile limit. Mr Pearson assured the President that United States treaty rights would be taken into account.