19 October 1961: Memorandum for the Prime Minister

This memorandum to Prime Minister Diefenbaker from Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Norman Robertson, describes the current issues in the North Atlantic Council concerning Berlin planning. In particular, paragraph 6 of Annex B “Suggested Instructions to NATO Military Authorities” is the subject of controversy. There are three points which require clarification but of the most important is the issue of nuclear weapons found in paragraph 6(d): “the Alliance will stand ready for nuclear action at all times . . . a specific political decision to employ nuclear weapons selectively in order to demonstrate the will and ability of the Alliance to use them.” Robertson recommends that Canada accept the plans in order to maintain stability in Council, but with a reservation to Annex B paragraph 6.