Defending North America
by
Kash
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Defending North America
Canada's Role in The Cuban Missile Crisis
Against:
If Canada became involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, then there would be a change in the attitude of the Soviet Union, and there was a chance that the Soviets woulf get aggravated and do something radical.
It is crucial that Canada preserves its own interests and independence. Prime Minister Deifenbaker did not want to draw Canada into a conflict cenetered around American Politics and Ideals.
President Kennedy did not provide enough conclusive evidence of the presence of nuclear arms in Cuba, so it was pointless making an uninformed decision.
The United States didn't deem it necessary to come to Canada for aid when the issue began, but when the issue was at its peak, America finally decided to ask Canada. This means that the US only needed Canada at a time of crisis.
Canada had always been seen as the middle power, trying to resolve issues, joining the conflict between the USSR and America would make Canada seem as if they were choosing sides to this war. This would ruin Canada's previous reputation of being a peacekeeper, rather than getting involved in wars.
In order to make an informed decision on whether to aid the American or not, Canada wanted a UN investigation in Cuba to find out for sure id there were Soviet missiles, if Canada had made an uninformed decision, it would have been harmful to Canada.
If Canada had agreed to joining on America's side then the would would see Canada as America's lapdog, which didn't make Canada an independant nation.
For
Missile Stations in Cuba put Canada in grave danger since the medium range missiles had the capability of reaching many Canadian cities. Canada needed to defend its citizens because Canada was at risk as well.
The missile crisis in a way acted as communist aggression. If Canada wanted to preserve its democracy then taking a stand would be the best option
Canada should have supported the United States, because the US was their largest ally, not aiding, them or supporting them would have hindered Canadian/American relations.
If Canada truly believed in democracy then they failed to realise that 810% of the Canadian population wanted to help America in the Cold War.
If Canada wanted to be recognised as an independent nation, then they should have tken part in the cold war to show the rest of the world Canada's military presence and might.
Canada also had the resources and materials to help the United States, they could have easily began producing arms, and it would have scared the Soviet Nation as well.
The Scrapping of the Avro Arrow
For:
Since there was no demand for the planes from Canada's allies, it was just a waste of money building more planes, even Canada didn't wan to buy the planes themselves.
Investing in the Avro Arrow was very risky, and doubtful, although it was an amazing plane, it was much smarter to invest in other defence systems. This thought was also echoed by Diefenbaker.
There was no need for the Avro Arrow nanymore, the reason it was created in the first place was because of the threats from the New Soviet Bombers. but since there was no more threat there was no need for the Avro Arrow to be built.
When the Soviets started experimenting with ICBM's it was apparent that Canada didn't need bomber intercepting planes, rather Canada needed missile systems capable of downing an ICBM,
The cost of the Avro Arrow was unreasonably high, at one point it has 4 million dollars, its American counterparts were made much cheaper.
Against:
The Avro Arrow was the best aircraft in its time, stopping production was extremely foolish. The Avro Arrow was more than just a plane, it was a symbol, a Canadian symbol representing Canada' s military might.
The Avro Arrow would have also come in handy in case of a Soviet air invasion, Canada would have had ta great advantage over the Soviet bombers if this was ever to occur.
If the Canadian government decided to keep the Avro Arrow and keep productions a a steady rate, it would require workers, skilled workers. The Avro Arrow project would also create more jobs in Canada.
Scrapping the Avro Arrow also marked the end of the Avro company, it was one of Canada's best manufacturing companies. It had the potential to do more, but the government destroyed its business once and for all
The Avro Arrow a the first plane to achieve amazing feats such as being the first aircraft o be a date-link flyable form the ground. The Avro Arrow could have been improved and the cost could have been reduced but Canada's government had already scrapped the project.
Although there wasn't much demand at the time for the aircraft but there was much admiration for it. the Americans were interested in buying the Sparrow II, and 300 orders for the engine were already placed. When the project was scrapped, Canada lost an immense amount of export money.
Canada's acceptance of Nuclear weapons in 1963
For:
Possessing Nuclear weapons is a great negotiating strategy. If ever Canada was threatened, knowing the repercussion of Mutually Assured Destruction, having nuclear weapons would make the enemy think twice before attacking Canada.
Accepting Nuclear weapons meant that Canada wouldn't have to rely on the United States's help if a crisis ever came about. Canada would be a more independent nation if it acquired nuclear weapons.
The United States of America was already wiling to sell Bomarc missiles to Canada, if Canada wanted to fulfil its role in NORAD and NATO. Refusing these aforementioned missiles would lead to a damaged trade partnership with Canada's biggest ally, America.
The most simple reason needed to acquire nuclear weapons is for self defence. With the ever present threat of Communist aggression, there was no telling when an attack would occur. Even the Minister of Defence at the time believed that Canada should posses Nuclear Arms in case of a Soviet attack. If the defence minister agreed it was in Canada's best interest to accept nuclear weapons
Moreover, possessing Nuclear Weapons would allow Canada to be recognised on the world stage as a global leader. The nuclear weapons would provide Canada with the means to intervene in any crisis abroad, and in general cement Canada's place in the World.
Against:
It would be extremely hypocritical for Canada to accept nuclear weapons, when Canada them self were pushing to ban nuclear weapons in the United Nations. Canada would be made a mockery if they accepted nuclear weapons.
Not having nuclear weapons would keep Canada's image of a peace loving nation. Destroying this image for a few nuclear weapons was definitely not worth the humiliation and effort. All the work past Canadian leaders had done to make peaceful image of Canada would have been destroyed.
Canada didn't even need Nuclear Weapons, if there ever was a threat, the United States of America would be there to protect Canada. Canada was already under heavy protectionj by its allies and NATO as well.
Since Canada is in range of Soviet missiles, and USSR was in range of Canadian missiles, the Soviet Union could have used Canada having nuclear weapons as a reason to acquiring weapons themselves.
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