Essence of Indecision: Diefenbaker's Nuclear Policy, 1957-1963

by Patricia I. McMahon

Overview

Tracing Diefenbaker's deliberations over nuclear policy, McMahon shows that Diefenbaker was politically cautious, not indecisive - he wanted to acquire nuclear weapons and understood from public opinion polls that most Canadians supported this position. However, Diefenbaker worried that the growing anti-nuclear movement might sway public opinion sufficiently to undermine his political support. He also feared that Liberal leader Lester Pearson could use the issue for political advantage. As long as Pearson opposed Canada's membership in the nuclear club, he could portray Diefenbaker's government as an irresponsible proponent of nuclear proliferation. Despite these reservations, Diefenbaker was involved in nuclear negotiations with the Americans throughout his tenure as prime minister, and an agreement was within reach on a number of occasions. When, in January 1963, Pearson reversed his position, Diefenbaker felt trapped - in making a clear public statement in favour of nuclear weapons it would appear as though he was merely following his opponent's lead. When Canada acquired nuclear weapons in 1963, it was under the leadership of Pearson, not Diefenbaker.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780773583351
Publisher:	McGill-Queens University Press
Publication date:	04/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Patricia I. McMahon is a lawyer and historian. She lives in Toronto.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations vii

Introduction ix

1 The Conservatives Return to Power, 1957-1958 3

2 Diefenbaker and Defence Policy, 1958-1959 28

3 Canada's Nuclear Policy Takes Shape, 1959-1960 51

4 A Period of Transition, 1960-1961 86

5 Nuclear Negotiations and the 1962 Federal Election 114

6 To the Brink and Beyond: The Cuban Missile Crisis and Canada's Nuclear Policy 146

Conclusion 171

Notes 179

Bibliography 223

Index 235