Anglo-Canadian Defence Relations, 1945-1960
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University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies Legacy Theses 1997 The informal alliance: Anglo-Canadian defence relations, 1945-1960 Archambault, Peter Michael Archambault, P. M. (1997). The informal alliance: Anglo-Canadian defence relations, 1945-1960 (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. doi:10.11575/PRISM/11308 http://hdl.handle.net/1880/26621 doctoral thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca THE UNLVERSm OF CALGARY The Informal Alliance: Anglo-Canadian Defence Relations, 1945- 1960 by Peter Michael Archambault A DISSERTATION SUBMTITED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFIU,MENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OFDOCTOR OF PHItOSOPHY DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY CALGARY,ALBERTA APRIL, 1997 O Peter Michael Archambault 1997 The author bas granted a non- L'aYtem a accordé une licence non exclusive licerice allowing the exclusive permettant a la National Libtary of Canada to Bibiiothèqye natiode du Canada de reproduce, loan, distri'bute or sell reproduite, p*, distnIbuerou copies of his/her thesis by any means vendre des copies de sa thèse de and in agr fonn or format, making quelqge manière et sous wiqye this tbesis available to interested forme que ce soit pour mettre des persons. exemplaires de methèse a la disposition des personnes intéressées. The author retaios ownership of the L'auteur conserve la propriété du copyright in Mer thesis. Neithei droit d'auteur qui protège sa thèse. Ni the thesis nor substantiai extracts la thèse ni des ewaits substantieis de fiom it may be printed or otherwise celle-ci ne doivent être imprimés ou reproduced with the author's autrement reproduits sans son permission. autorisation. Abstract Britain was an integral elernent in Canada's defence policy after 1945. Because the relationship was overshadowed by Canada's more visible and controversial one with the US. however, scholars have given it very liîtle attention. The US-Canadian alliance was made formal by the creation of several joint defence bodies, such as the PJBD (Pennaaent Joint Board on Defence) and NORAD (North Arnerican Aerospace Defence Command). Ottawa's post-war love affair with internationalism was also embodied in formal organizations, such as the UN (United Nations) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Canada and Britain had no such forma1 treaty or organization to guide their alliance against the Soviet Union. They did not, however, need one. This study examines Anglo- Canadian defence relations between 1945 and 1960, arguing that tradition, circumstances and pragmatism brought the Canadian and British militaries together on a number of fronts. They cooperated closely in several key areas of military planning, such as defence research, exchange of information and procurement of arms and equipment. It was not always an easy relationship, however. Canadian nationalism and British paternalism created suspicion, endless misunderstandings and unwarranted assumptions. Nonetheless, this study concludes that the two countries maintained an implicit, informal alliance throughout the period under investigation. iii Acknowledgments They might not have thought sa at the time, but many friends and fellow travelers have provided me with encouragement and inspiration during the preparation of thîs thesis. I am thankful for being able to share my sojoum at the U of C History Department with Eric Ash, Chris BeU. Joy Bowes, Dr. Pat Brennan, George Coipitts, Eric Crause, Kevin Gloin, Bruce Mcintyre and Demis Rempe. On a number of occasions, Sean Maloney has given me valuable insights into the oft-confusing world of post-war Canadian defence policy. The late Louis Audette, Douglas Bland, Tim Dube, Kent Fedorovich, Don Graves, Mike Hennessy, Chris Hull, Hector Mackenzie, Peter Nayler, Roger Sarty and Major Rick Walker dl lent me their ear at least once. offering suggestions that facilitated my research and led me in new directions. At the Directorate of History in Ottawa, Isabelle Campbell helped me to plow through the Raymont Papers, in addition to letting me share her knowledge of sources on the post-war military. Her enthusiasm and dedication is a aibute to the archivist's profession. Car1 Christie was always his affable and dedicated self, doing an excellent job in the retrieval service at DHist, often under very trying circumstances. The staff of the reading and reference rooms at the National Archives of Canada was, as usual, pleasant and helpful. The same cannot be said for the policies of the NAC, which too often mitigate against academic research. In England, 1 am grateful to the staff at the Public Records Office, Kew, for their assistance. Although my visits to the Liddel Hart Center for Military Archives, King's College, iv and the Royal Naval Museum, Greenwich, yielded little results, the staffs were very accommodating. The University of Calgary History Department provided me with several assistantships to get me through the first pan of my PhD program. Later, a fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada helped to alleviate what became very expensive research trips. A portion of the costs were covered by a thesis research gant fkom the University of Calgary. 1 am also very grateful to the History Depanment for providing me the opportunity to gain valuable, and enjoyable, teaching experience. Long research trips can be very tedious and draining. In Ottawa, Dean and Elaine Chappelle provided me with accommodation, many fine meals and sane conversation after days at the archives. Chris and Rae Bell did the same in London. Back in Calgary, Greg and Laurel McCartney let me share their home while 1 saved money for research. Eric Heuver did the same in Strathmore. I am humbled by the gracious generosity of al1 these people, who helped me out during the more trying periods of my life as a graduate student. Drs. Holger Herwig, John Fems and Terry Temff were always available to lend an ear, offer encouragement and give advice. 1 have greatly appreciated their professionalism and enthusiasm over the years. 1 would be remiss if 1 failed to mention Dr. Marc Milner in these acknowledgments. Although he was spared the mals of this thesis. 1 learned much of what I know of the historian's craft from him at UNB. My gxeatest thanks, however, goes to my supervisor, Dr. David Bercuson. He has endmd this thesis for far too long, reading tedious and garbled chapters which, much to the chagrin of both of us, seemed to de@ progress. Throughout, however, he never stopped believing in my abiiity, pushing and eacouraging me to the end. His counsel, advice and patience have made me a better historian and a much better writer. In that, he has been a mentor in the me sense of the word. My parents have been a strong source of inspiration to me throughout my academic career. Their generosity, kindness and endless support have ched me over the ups and downs of what has often seemed like a seemingly endless road. The same can be said of my late grandmother and the rest of my 'New Brunswick' family. In Suathmore, my 'Alberta' family has provided me with encouragement and support. To all of you goes a very hearty thanks. Any accolades for perseverance and endurance over the long preparation of this thesis must go to my wife, Patricia. She did not choose to do a PhD or write a thesis, yet she has had to bear al1 of the burdens of those decisions right dong with me. She had to put up with my long absences on research trips and has since had to tolerate living with someone who is preoccupied with writing. She has also supported me financially since my SSHRC ran out, ailowing me to devote the time necessary to finish the "thing". Through it all, however, she has a uttered nary a discouraging word, offering only selfless and stalwart support for the cause. For al1 those reasons, this thesis is as much bers as mine. For my wife, Patricia Table of Contents .. Approval Page................................................................................................... .u ... Abstrac t. ..............................................................................................................JU Acknowledgements ......................................................................................... iv .. Dedication................................................................................ ...........................vu ... Table of Contents................................................... ........................................vw Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 Notes ...... .. .................................................................................................... 8 Chapter One: An Unwrittem Mïlitary AUiance ............ ....... ...............10 - Notes .......... .. .................................................................*...........................34 - Chapter Two: The ABC'S of Collective Security.................................... 63 .... Notes ...................................................... .... .1 12 Chapter Three: British Past, American Future?...............................