OTTAWA – An internal RCMP memo says the United States wants its police officers to be exempt from Canadian law if they agree to take part in a highly touted cross-border policing initiative with Canada.

The memo, prepared for RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson, says the debate over whose laws would apply to U.S. officers working in Canada raises important questions of sovereignty and police accountability.

It notes Canadians would likely have serious concerns with officers from the U.S. not being accountable for their actions in Canada.

The planned pilot project — part of a sweeping Canada-U.S. perimeter security pact — would see the two countries build on joint border-policing efforts by creating integrated teams in areas such as intelligence and criminal investigations.

The perimeter deal, being phased in over several years, aims to ensure the safe, speedy passage of goods and people across the 49th parallel while bolstering North American defences.

The October 2012 memo, obtained under the Access to Information Act, was intended to brief Paulson for his meeting with David Moloney, a senior adviser to the Privy Council Office for implementing the vaunted deal.