ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses some of the military consequences for Canada of a policy of neutrality, for it is contention that advocacies of neutrality for Canada do indeed betray inadequacy of strategic conceptualization. Neutrality, therefore, requires a Canadian strategy of deterrence to convince nations not only that Canada can defend itself but also to assure belligerents that their enemies could not take advantage of our neutrality. In a crisis all transportation and communication between the continental United States and Alaska through Canadian territories would have to be closed and with military strength if necessary. The responsibility of the Chief of the Defence Staff to provide for "Aid of the Civil Power" must be accounted for in any force structure of the Canadian Forces. Ultimately, a policy of neutrality must address the question of costs and the balancing of Canada's present military capabilities against what would be needed for a reoriented defense force.
