Quebec Referendum

[Benjamin]

Yes, but the NATO Vehicle Guide V.1 gave the Canadians only the 4th Mech. Brigade in Germany and the Special Service Force in Norway. As this was written prior to the reorganization of 1989 that never got completed, I understand why the proposed 1st Canadian Division is not mentioned. But given that there are at least two full months between the West German invasion of East Germany and the US committing forces to the war, I can't understand why the 5th Brigade (a primarily Quebec brigade) was not sent to Europe as was the plan. Of course if Quebec is acting up this could explain why it was not sent overseas.

As for France's reaction to the Quebec vote, I think once the initial fear of nuclear war is over...say one month after the initiation of hostilities between the Soviets and Chinese, things in the west would calm down a bit. The referendum was held on Oct. 30 so this gives the fear of nuclear war more than enough time to abate. The US though is focused on the war and is sending aid to China, Britain too is focused on Asia (do to fear of damage to Hong Kong) thus giving Germany (we know how that turns out) and France breathing space from their domineering "ally" America. Besides France can always claim they're just supporting the will of the people and with global tensions rising America may be reluctant to piss off an important NATO ally and nuclear power.

The question is what would the American and Canadian responses to a yes vote be? I know from my time in college that my Professor of Canadian and Australian Politics at Penn State, who was from Winnipeg, was tired of the French Canadians and wanted to see them go. This same view was held by my relatives living in Toronto and pretty much all of my Canadian friends in college. (The only one who wanted Quebec to remain part of Canada was dating a girl from Quebec.) Would Canada let Quebec go? What happens to the Cree? What becomes of NAFTA?

Of once the bombs drop its all moot.

Benjamin