Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western European Integration and Security, Canada, Volume VII, Part 1

312. Memorandum of Conversation⁰

US/MC/43

April 14, 1960, 2:15 p.m.

FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING

Washington, April 12–14, 1960

SUBJECT

• Bomarc Program

[Here follows the same list of participants as Document 311.]

Mr. Green inquired how significant the successful test flight of the Bomarc? in Florida on April 13 had been. He mentioned that Bomarc had become a “whipping boy” in Canada and that criticism was being generated with each failure of a test. Mr. Merchant thought the successful flight of the Bomarc was very significant. He added, however, that Senator Chavez had made some remarks about the Bomarc which would not be helpful in Canada. Mr. Green asked what these remarks were and was informed that the Senator had said in effect that the United States was trying to impose on the poor Canadians a missile that is so bad we cannot use it.

0. Source: Department of State, Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 64 D 199. Confidential. Drafted by Carlson and approved in M on April 22 and in S on April 25. The meeting was held in Secretary Herter’s office. See also Documents 311 and 313–315.