Pacific Life
Periodical profile published 1980

Publisher:  Pacific Life Community, Vancouver, Canada
Year Published:  1980
Pages:  8pp   Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX2150

Abstract: 
Pacific Life is a newsletter prepared by the Pacific Life Community, an active peace group in British Columbia. The newsletter publicises the efforts of groups in Canada and the USA which are opposed to militarism and the arms race and provides information on militarism in both countries. This issue focuses on the acquisition by the USA of a nuclear "first-strike" capability.

The Trident-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is in the advanced development stage and is described as "the ultimate first strike weapon". Launched from a submarine close to the enemy shore, the SLBM in concert with other missiles could effectively destroy most if not all of the enemy's retaliatory missiles. With the acquisition of this weapon the USA is seen as moving towards a confrontationalist foreign policy. The scenario for the SLBM's use is described: "it would most likely happen during a period of international crisis when emotions and national pride are soaring high".

Canada's role in a "first-strike" is also described - by allowing the installation of sonar listening devices in Canada to track enemy submarines and target US missiles on them, Canada has become directly involved in US strategies and tactics.

The newsletter describes the activities of some of the groups most actively opposed to the arms race; the development of the 'lethal' Trident-2 missile is also outlined. Another article reports that in 1979, 25 people were sentenced to jail terms ranging from 30 days to 6 months following a peaceful demonstration at a Trident base in Bangor, Washington. Five of those sentenced were residents of British Columbia.