CANADA: (2/5) 220TH MEETING OF THE U.S.-CANADA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 OTTAWA 002020 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS NORAD CA SUBJECT: CANADA: (2/5) 220TH MEETING OF THE U.S.-CANADA PERMANENT JOINT BOARD ON DEFENSE - VISION AND PRINCIPLES DOCUMENT ¶1. (U) U.S. Co-Chairman George Nethercutt and Canadian Co-Chairman Rick Casson, M.P. convened the 220th meeting of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD) at the Canadian Maritime Warfare Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia October 9-11, 2007 (septels). This is the second in a series of five telegrams. It documents the PJBD's deliberations on the Vision and Principles Document. -------------- Vision and Principles -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Director General (DG) for International Security Don Sinclair launched the discussion of the Vision and Principles Document by noting that Prime Minister Harper supported it and that it should serve to guide the PJBD and the relevant elements of the two governments in the future. Canadian Military Policy representative Major General Chris Davis asserted that the Document would show that the CANUS defense and security establishments were adapting and evolving. With the backing of our national leaders, he said, it would also give us the power to move our respective domestic policies in the right direction. ¶3. (SBU) DG Sinclair noted that Canada would like to launch the Document at the commemoration of NORAD's 50th anniversary in May 2008 as a way to re-emphasize the two countries' common vision for continental security and to draw public attention to our "deep and enduring" partnership. The next step for the Canadian side would be to have the foreign, defense, and public safety ministers clear the Document and table it in Cabinet. To this end, the Canadians would like a signal from the U.S. side that it, too, is ready to press ahead. NORAD Deputy Commander LtGen Charles Bouchard said NORAD would plan for the Document to be featured at the NORAD commemoration. U.S. NSC Representative Richard Miles observed that the next scheduled opportunity for the President and the Prime Minister to meet could occur as early as April 2008, during the North American Leaders' Summit at a venue to be determined in the U.S. ¶4. (SBU) Co-Chair Nethercutt responded that the U.S. side was satisfied with the language in the Document and said that he would ask the secretaries of State, Homeland Security, and Defense to seek the President's direct involvement, perhaps to include signing the Document alongside the Canadian Prime Minister at the NORAD commemoration. State Department WHA/CAN Office Director Alex Lee said he would staff it with a view towards having it ready for leaders' signatures in ¶2008. Sinclair interjected that he would do the same on the Canadian side, and Co-Chair Casson ended the discussion by noting there was consensus on the need to complete and tee-up the Document quickly. -------------- Vision and Principles Document -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Following is a text of the Visions and Principles Document: Begin text Canada-United States defence and security cooperation reflects our shared geography, contiguous borders, international commitments and interests, and a common Qinternational commitments and interests, and a common understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities facing our two countries. We are committed to protecting our citizens, while promoting democracy, human rights, prosperity, opportunity and a better quality of life. We have stood fast by each other for decades in facing challenges at home and abroad. Taking a coherent approach to defence and security requires that we have the capacity to address new challenges. The bedrock of the Canada-U.S. defence and security relationship is our ability to act effectively, in a timely and coordinated fashion, consistent with our national interests and sovereignty, to detect, deter, disrupt, and OTTAWA 00002020 002 OF 002 defeat military and terrorist threats to Canada and the United States, as far from our borders as possible. We also cooperate in non-military security matters, such as border operations, critical infrastructure protection and emergency management. Fundamentals of the relationship: -- North American defence and security is a shared responsibility -- Our unique geographic relationship and integrated economies make the security and prosperity of our countries inter-dependent -- An attack against either country is an attack on both -- As members of the broader international community we have a common responsibility for promoting global peace and security -- We have a mutual commitment to peace, democracy and human rights and we strive to promote these values in ways that are shaped by our distinct histories, cultures and roles in the world -- We rely upon an integrated defence industrial and technology base -- We work in partnership for the protection of shared critical infrastructure in North America For the continued success of our defence and security relations we must: (1) recognize that we are more secure when we address continental issues together than when we act alone; (2) prevent the territories of our countries from being used by third parties to plan, launch or support attacks on the other; (3) share relevant information and intelligence in a timely and efficient manner, consistent with our domestic laws and international legal obligations; (4). prepare, plan, train, exercise and advise on responses to threats, natural and human-induced disasters, to facilitate the support by the other offered in time of need; (5) cooperate on defense and security issues where common interests and concerns require an effective response to threats to peace and security before they reach our borders; (6) support and collaborate on science and technology R&D in defense and security to equip ourselves with the necessary tools today and in the future to support our cooperative defense and security; (7) facilitate interoperability and joint action, by putting in place the necessary structures and legal framework; and (8) enhance existing mechanisms and where necessary create new ones, to address emerging challenges and improve consultation across the range of our endeavors. End Text Visit our shared North American Partnership blog (Canada & Mexico) at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap WILKINS