742.5/9–1154
No. 1000
The Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Hensel)
to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs
(Barbour)
Dear Mr. Barbour: I refer to your letter of 11 September 19541 which pertains to the establishment of a United States Air Force Central Coordinating Staff in Ottawa, Canada, and of its relationship with the United States Embassy.
This Department is generally in concurrence with your views regarding the necessity for an effective coordination channel between the United States Embassy and the Central Coordinating Staff in order that its activities may be benefited by political guidance on matters where such guidance is of import. It is further recognized that such provision must be set out in the terms of reference of the group in such manner as to ensure this end.
The Central Coordinating Staff was established in Ottawa, Canada, on 18 October 1954, and appropriate provision has been included in its terms of reference to effect the desires of Air Marshal Slemon as indicated in his letters of 15 July and 27 August 1954, to General Twining.2 This provision is generally that the Ambassador, as the personal representative of the President and the senior United States official present, will be kept informed regarding those military matters under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force which may affect United States foreign policy and such military questions that are of importance in the context of United States Air Force-Canadian relationships. Communications regarding such matters will, as a general rule, be through the Air Attaché.
[Page 2143]It is indeed of paramount importance that the activities of this agency be in harmony with our political policies. I am certain that such harmony can be achieved and maintained through practical application of the terms promulgated by the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, for the Chief of the Central Coordinating Staff.
Sincerely yours,
- Document 998.↩
- Neither found in Department of State files.↩