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Home Text of the Canada-US Security Cooperation AgreementThe Honorable Colin L. Powell Excellency, I have the honour to refer to discussions between our two Governments regarding future Canada-United States cooperation in broadening bi-national defence arrangements for North American security. Both Governments remain convinced that enhanced cooperation, as detailed herein, conducted within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty, remains vital to their mutual security, compatible with their national interests, and an important element of their contribution to the overall security of the NATO area. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, represented a dramatic change in the geostrategic environment for North American security. The overall threat to the North American continent from the air, land, and sea has greatly increased, including the potential for the use of weapons of mass destruction delivered by unconventional means, by terrorists or others. Our two Governments have taken steps on a national basis to reassess and improve preparedness for the air, land and maritime defence of each country. Moreover, our Governments have identified additional ways we could work together to protect our citizens and to strengthen North American security as a whole, while respecting the national interests and sovereignty of each other. In view of these developments, I have the honor to propose the following: Our two Governments reaffirm the value of continued cooperation between Canada and the United States in the aerospace defence of North America through participation in the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). Both Governments affirm the merits of broadening bi-national defence arrangements in order to:
Our two governments shall establish a bi-national planning group ("Planning Group") in NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs to enhance bi-national military planning, surveillance, and support to civil authorities by:
On the basis of our common appreciation of the circumstances described and the experience gained through our bilateral defence relations to date, and reaffirming that each Government continues to exercise control of its respective sovereign territory and to command its national forces, my Government proposes that the following rules shall govern the future organization and operations of the Planning Group:
Our Governments shall consult on the implementation of the agreement herein proposed. These consultations shall involve senior officials of relevant Canadian and United States federal departments and/or federal agencies and invited members of the Planning Group and be held as necessary and with the agreement of our Governments. Each Government shall determine the composition of its national representation. Our Governments shall endeavour to use existing forums, such as the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, as the basis for these consultations. Nothing in the present agreement shall be interpreted as amending the NORAD Agreement. The agreement herein will remain in force for a period of two years during which its terms may be reviewed at any time at the request of either Government. It may be terminated by either Government or extended by agreement of both Governments, following three months' written notice to the other. If your Government concurs in the consideration and provisions set forth herein, I have the honour to propose that this Note, which is equally authentic in English and French, and your reply to that effect, shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments, which will enter into force on the date of your reply. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration. Sincerely, William Graham |