9780774825634
Distributed for University of British Columbia Press
Unlikely Diplomats
The Canadian Brigade in Germany, 1951-64
In 1951, Canada sent troops to western Europe to support its NATO allies. The brigade helped Canada establish its international status. In private, however, Canadian officials and military leaders expressed grave doubts about NATO’s strategies and operational plans. Despite these reservations, they sent military families overseas and implemented personnel policies that permanently changed the distribution of the defence budget and the character of the Canadian Army. This original account of the evolution of the Canadian Army – from a small training cadre to a truly national force – offers a new perspective on military policy and diplomacy in the Cold War era.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 The "German Problem" and Canada’s Fight for an Independent Voice,
1919-46
2 Canada’s Vision for Germany and Europe, 1946-49
3 Canada and the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949-64
4 The Troop Experience in Germany, 1951-64
5 The Regular Force Expands and Represents Canada, 1949-64
6 The Strategy of Deterrence and Plans for the Canadian Brigade, 1948-64
Conclusion
Notes; Bibliography; Index