NSSD 1-85 Canadian-American Relations

SYSTEM II 91330 THE WHITE HOUSE SECRET wASHINGTON National Security Study Directive 1-85 January 5, 1985 CANADIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS Introduction This National Security Study Directive establishes the Terms of Reference for completing a review of the overall relationship between the United States and Canada. Primary attention should be directed toward the production of recommendations for the accomplishment of short-term measures prior to the President's official working visit to Canada, March 17-18, 1985 Recommenda- tions regarding a long-range strategy for dealing with Canada will be prepared, based on the results of the President's trip and the analysis of the work of the interagency group. 1st Objective of the Review To conduct a thorough review of U.S.-Canadian relations in preparation for the President's trip to Canada; to produce a National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) -- Subject: U.S. Policy Toward Canada. LST Scope The short and long-term reviews will result in reports to the National Security Council that will address the following topics: -- Political: Prime Minister Mulroney has clearly indicated his wish to improve ties with the U.S. How far can we reasonably expect him to move in our direction given traditional Canadian concern over too close links to the U.S.? Have we discerned any Canadian actions to date that were undertaken specifically to meet U.S. requests or with an eye to meeting American concerns? How vocal should we be in responding positively to Mulroney? How do we best manage the stepped-up flow of meetings between U.S. and Canadian officials? Are any new mechanisms required? How actively should the Executive Branch promote closer ties between the Canadian Parliament and the Congress? (Action: State) AS Foreign Policy: The new Government is conducting a compre- hensive review of its foreign policy In light of Prime Minister Mulroney's expressed willingness to work more closely with the U.S. on East-West issues and Third World problems, should we seek a more activist Canadian role in the global arena? Do we wish to use the President's visit on 6/6/91 siner provisions of E.O. 717 I D. van Tansel. National Security Council l FB8- SECRET Declassify: OADR SUNCIASSIFIED COPY 1H OF 13 COPIES