Word: bomarcs
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Another funny thing happened when McNamara's testimony, given last February to a House subcommittee, was released late last week-and immediately became a major issue in Canada's election campaign (see THE HEMISPHERE). Defending his decision to continue Bomarc missile bases (eight in the U.S., two in Canada), McNamara insisted that the ground-to-air missile is not expensive and that, through its dispersal, it might draw enemy fire from more important targets. This was hardly a comforting thought to Canadians...
...presence of U.S.-built Bomarc anti-aircraft missiles on Canadian soil was the subject that originally triggered the election. Asked about Bomarcs while testifying before the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee last Feb. 13, McNamara made a general defense of the weapons, no matter where they were based*: "At the very least they would cause the Soviets to target missiles against them and thereby increase their missile requirements, or draw missiles onto these Bomarc targets that would otherwise be available for other targets...
...particularly to the high volume of American investment in Canadian industry. His original platform did not denounce continued co-operation with the United States in matters of defense. But the bullying tone of a recent United States diplomatic note, which insisted that Canada accept nuclear warheads for its Bomarc missiles, has joined two problems of excessive U.S. influence and defense co-operation. As a result, the April general election will be a crucial test of American prestige in Canada...
...beginnings of the argument went back to 1958, when Canada first agreed to contribute two squadrons of air-breathing Bomarc antiaircraft missiles to a joint North American Air Defense Command. Three and a half years ago, the Canadians also promised to provide eight jet squadrons for the NATO air shield in Europe. But Diefenbaker, fearing the opposition of Canadian ban-the-bombers, could never quite bring himself to accept the nuclear armament designed for the jets and missiles...
...Liberals suport a strong role in NATO and NORAD (North Atlantic Air Defense), including Canadian based Bomarc missiles armed with nuclear warheads. The recent U.S. pressure for the program, however, according to both Conway and Dupre, seems to have weakened the Liberal position, and strengthened Diefenbacker...