1941-02-17

Mr. SPEAKER:: I have the honour to
inform the house that I have received a message from His Excellency the Governor General, signed by his own hand, reading as follows:
I have received with great pleasure the address that you have voted in reply to my speech at the opening of parliament, and thank you for it sincerely.
Ath/lone
Government House,
Ottawa.



ORIENTALS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA


Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):: I desire to lay on the table

Business oj the House-Legislative Programme
of the house copies of the report and recommendations of the special committee on orientals in British Columbia, which was appointed on October 1, 1940, to investigate the positions of persons of Japanese and Chinese racial origin who are resident in British Columbia, and to report upon the problem of Japanese and Chinese in that province from the point of view of national security, with particular reference to the question of military training.



BITUMINOUS COAL


William Lyon Mackenzie King: In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act I desire to lay upon the table of the house copies, in English and French, of order in council P.C. 1055, transferring the administration of the act to place Canadian coal used in the manufacture of iron and steel on a basis of equality with imported coal from the Minister of Trade and Commerce to the Minister of Mines and Resources.



DOMINION-PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE TABLING OF REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

William Lyon Mackenzie King: I wish to lay on the table of the house copies, in English and French, of the published record of the recent dominion-provincial conference. It has been thought advisable to have all the relevant documents brought together in a single volume. This volume thus includes: the letter of invitation *to the conference which I addressed to all premiers on November 2, 1940; the replies received from the premiers; my letter of December 28, 1940, outlining the proposed agenda, and, finally, the verbatim proceedings of the conference itself. A general distribution to all hon. members will, I understand, be undertaken to-day.



BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE


Hon. R. B. HANSON (Leader of the Opposition):: Mr. Speaker, if I am in order I should like at .this stage to make some general inquiries of the government, and of the Prime Minister especially, in view of the fact that there is no speech from the throne on the resumption of this session.
First I should like to ask .the Prime Minister if he will as soon as convenient make a general statement of the legislation and business of parliament for the remainder of the session.
I would also inquire when the war appropriation bill and the budget will be brought down. I should also like to know when the estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1942, will be tabled.
May I also ask for the publication of the statistics prepared for the dominion-provincial conference in order to bring the statistical computations of the Sirois report so-called up-to-date. The Prime Minister and the house will recall .that reference .to these statistics was made by the press at the time the conference assembled, and the statement was made that these statistics were ready for production, but for some reason they were not produced. It seems to me it would be of great value to have these revised and up-to-date figures published.
May I also ask the Prime Minister if he will be good enough to let us know when the proposed committee on national expenditure will be set up.
I would also ask that copies of the revisions of the Bren gun contract and all other contracts awarded since the outbreak of war to the John Inglis company be tabled as soon as possible.
May I ask the Minister of Munitions and Supply (Mr. Howe) if he will be good enough to table .the latest record of war contracts awarded. The last volume I understand brings us down to August, 1940, since which time several thousands of contracts must have been awarded.
Finally-it may be unnecessary to ask this question because I have been in communication with the Minister of National Defence (Mr. Ralston)-I should like to know the amount spent in the present fiscal year under the National Resources Mobilization Act in connection with .the thirty day training period.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker, replying to my hon. friend the leader of the opposition (Mr. Hanson), first with respect to the legislative programme of the session, I shall endeavour, in so far as the government is in a position to do so at the present time, to indicate to the house in the course of a day or two the measures that are likely to come up at this session. But I think I should state at once that the main work of the session will relate to essential war measures.
The war appropriation bill, to which my hon. friend has referred, will be introduced
790	COMMONS
Business oj the House-Legislative Programme
possibly this week-certainly immediately after the estimates of the Department of External Affairs have been discussed in the house.
The estimates for the fiscal year 1941-42 will be tabled this afternoon. The budget I understand will be introduced by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Usley) immediately after the war appropriation measure has been disposed of.
It was my intention this afternoon, if it were agreeable to the house, to proceed with a statement on external affairs as an introduction to a discussion of the estimates of the Department of External Affairs. That statement would give a review of the international situation, particularly of the progress of the war as it has developed since the house was last in session, also an outline of the measures relating to the war which have been considered since parliament adjourned. It would also contain a review of the affairs of the Department of External Affairs. It will be open to hon. members, of course, if they so desire, to have that statement followed by debate. I would suggest, if debate is desired, that we follow the procedure which was adopted on a previous occasion, namely, that such speeches as might be made on general policy be made with the Speaker in the chair. When the house goes into committee of the whole, the estimates of the department can then be taken up in detail.
What I shall have to say this afternoon, if the house is agreeable to listening to me, has been prepared with a view to furnishing a background for discussion on both external affairs and the war appropriation bill. It is almost inevitable that many of the questions relating to external affairs which will be asked will relate in large part also to what will be discussed under the war appropriation bill. I think, therefore, it would facilitate the business of the house if it is known at once that the war appropriation bill will, if the house is agreeable, follow immediately upon the discussion of the external affairs estimates.
My hon. friend also asked a question relating to the dominion-provincial conference.


Richard Burpee Hanson: For the publication of the statistics prepared for the conference, bringing the figures up to date.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: I believe that statistics have been prepared bringing up to date matters referred to in the report. They will be tabled immediately.
My hon. friend also asked some questions with respect to departmental matters. Perhaps I had better allow my colleague to reply to those.


Richard Burpee Hanson: There was the question of the setting up of a committee on national expenditure.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: I am sorry I omitted to refer to that. I hope to introduce the motion this week. I would have introduced it at once, but I thought it desirable that the whips should first confer as to the personnel of the committee. It is also necessary under the rules of the house that notice shall be given in the Votes and Proceedings.
Were there any other questions?


Richard Burpee Hanson: May I
interject that I think it would be very desirable that we should confer on the terms of reference to the committee. That I think is just as important as the personnel of the committee!


William Lyon Mackenzie King: I shall be very happy to confer with my hon. friend. I may say I had in mind in drafting the motion what he himself had expressed before the adjournment, namely, that we should follow as closely as possible the motion as introduced in the British House of Commons. I have had the motion prepared, but I shall be pleased to confer with my hon. friend further with regard to it.


Hon. C. D. HOWE (Minister of Munitions and Supply):: Mr. Speaker, in reply to the question asked by the leader of the opposition with respect to the tabling of contracts awarded, may I say that, but for difficulties in connection with printing, I would have been able to table one volume to-day. The printing bureau has two volumes in hand and one of them was promised in time for the opening to-day. As soon as they are ready I shall be glad to table them. They cover contracts awarded to the end, I think, of the year 1940.
With respect to the Bren gun contract revisions, I shall table them at the next sitting of the house.



MAIN ESTIMATES 1941-42

[Stage Direction]
A message from His Excellency the Governor General transmitting estimates for the financial year ending March 31, 1942, was presented by Hon. J. L. Usley (Minister of Finance), read by Mr. Speaker to the house, and referred to the committee of supply.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Precedence jor Government Business
That on and after Monday, the 17th February, to the end of the present session, government notices of motions and government orders shall have precedence at every sitting over all other business except introduction of bills, questions by members and notices of motions for the production of papers.
He said: As hon. members will recognize, this motion is in terms identical with the one I moved at the beginning of the last session. At that time I thought the house felt itself fully seized of the significance of the session as a war session, and as I recollect it, the house gave its assent readily to the passage of the resolution. I am sure that with such knowledge as hon. members must have of conditions in the world to-day, there will be agreement that the present session should have as much of the character of a war session as any session of parliament is ever likely to have. The government feels that as rapidly as possible we should proceed with the most important legislation relating to Canada's war effort, and that, throughout, the attention of the house should be concentrated as exclusively as possible upon Canada's war effort.
The motion is also similar to the one introduced in the British House of Commons at the first session after the outbreak of war by Mr. Chamberlain, when he was prime minister, and to the motion which has again been introduced at the beginning of the present session of the British parliament by Mr. Churchill. Indeed, the motion introduced in the British house goes somewhat further than the present one, in that it does not permit even the introduction of public bills other than government bills. As it is worded, this motion does not preclude the introduction of bills other than government bills, nor does it prevent the placing of resolutions on the order paper. What it does ask is that the house give precedence to government measures. As I have already said, the reason for giving such precedence is to permit of concentration upon matters which relate to the war.
I would point out, first of all, that such concentration is desired by the government itself, in order that members of the government may be able to devote their time as exclusively as possible to war measures. Hon. members will realize that if private resolutions were to be taken up in the order in which they appear on the order paper, practically all members of the government would have to be present as the resolutions are called, and individual members more or less prepared to discuss them. It is not known when items on the order paper may be reached, or in what particular order they may be discussed. Of necessity, much time would require to be given by members of the government to a
consideration of a great variety of questions. It is time which it seems to me can be ill spared at this particular period.
Then there is the hope that the House of Commons itself may concentrate more exclusively on war measures. There is no desire to prevent hon. members from bringing up any subject they believe to be of public importance. There are in fact many opportunities for the discussion of questions which are likely to have any real, public significance. Those discussions may take place while the house is considering the estimates, in connection with the war appropriation bill. In the consideration of the budget other opportunities will also arise. In the event of the house wishing to discuss any particular question of public interest, I should think some arrangement might readily be made as a result of conference with leaders of the different groups.
Not only is there the necessity of concentration by the government and parliament on our war effort. There must also be consideration for the time which will necessarily be exacted from members of the public service. I doubt very much if hon. members can appreciate the load which many members of the public service are carrying at this time, in comparison with what is carried by them in ordinary years. There is not a prominent member of the public service engaged in any war effort work whose time is not already taxed to the limit. To add to the staffs in the service any additional burden at this time would be placing a very heavy load upon them, indeed.
I would say, further, it is necessary that the House of Commons give guidance in these matters to the country itself. I believe the country as a whole will become increasingly war conscious, if that is the correct phrase to use, by the House of Commons devoting most of its time to matters pertaining to the war, rather than if attention throughout the country is from day to day and week to week diverted from the war by the discussion of irrelevant or extraneous matters.
A little later in the day I purpose, as I have said, to make a statement to the house with respect to the international situation as it exists at the present time. I would ask hon. members in considering their attitude towards the present motion, to ask themselves what the impression created throughout the country would be if at a moment of great crisis such as I believe is approaching, and approaching rapidly, this House of Commons should be busying itself with the discussion of some academic resolution or some question which at this time at least does not begin to assume the importance which attaches to problems of war which are uppermost in the mind1 of the public to-day. I am afraid that people
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Precedence for Government Business
would feel that we had not a due sense of the gravity of the situation in the world if we allowed the time of this House of Commons to be taken up, at present, or, indeed until after all war measures are disposed of, with the discussion of private members' resolutions.
The government is very strongly of the belief that the world situation is so critical that we should1 press on with government measures as rapidly as possible, and that they should have precedence. It is for that reason that I have introduced this resolution immediately.
I might add that I would wish it to be understood that the government appreciate to the full the rights of private members in ordinary times, and that the rights, that for the moment are being suspended, Should be restored as soon as circumstances justify that course. But the country has sent us here to get on with government business; that is the first charge that is upon us, and in the light of the situation as we know it in the world to-day we feel it our duty to ask the house to join with us in giving to war measures as immediate and exclusive attention as may be possible.


Richard Burpee Hanson: This motion I think was anticipated
by the house and by the country, even before the notice was given. It is similar in principle, and I think in letter, to that introduced on May 21 last by the right hon. gentleman, which carried then with very little opposition except on the part of one or two private members. The reasons alleged for the motion to-day are the same as those alleged in May last, special emphasis being laid on the fact that the ministers should not be required to attend here to follow discussions of private members' resolutions.
Fundamentally and primarily the resolution was carried last May for three reasons: First, the country was at war, and the situation the same as to-day; second, this is a war parliament and the situation then and now is the same. But primarily it was because the government had a programme of war legislation which it desired to have enacted with the least possible delay.
It was for that reason that I personally, and I believe my friends surrounding me, readily acquiesced in the Prime Minister's motion. But that situation is not present to-day. What have we on the order paper, or what had we until the estimates were tabled and my friend the Minister of Finance (Mr. Ilsley) made the motion which he did to have those estimates referred to the committee of supply? There was no government business on the order paper; therefore the

real underlying necessity for this motion is not present to-day. The situation is not as it was last May.
With respect to diverting the attention of members of the ministry from their war efforts, I sympathize with the desire of the Prime Minister that these gentlemen should be unimpeded in their efforts to win this war, although there is much to be said about their lack of effort. But I do not think that many of those hon. gentlemen whom I see facing me on the treasury benches need be detained from their offices to attend here on the discussion of private members' resolutions which are at present on the order paper. They are few in number and, with the exception of one or two, of no importance.


Some hon. MEMBERS:: Oh, oh.


Richard Burpee Hanson: That is true. I do not mean-yes, I suppose I might apply that to the members of the government, although that was not the thought in my mind at the moment.
But behind this there is a principle. It has been the privilege of the private member to bring forward views on matters of public importance on days reserved for that purpose by the custom of this parliament since the day there was a book of rules. Last year I made the observation that I hoped the passing of this motion would not be considered a precedent for future sessions, but what I feared then has now come to pass. It has become a precedent for this session and will continue to be a precedent for future sessions for this and succeeding governments. That ought not 'to be. Hon. gentlemen in this house, private members sitting on both sides of Your Honour, have the right, if opportunity is afforded them, to bring up matters of public importance. Notwithstanding what the Prime Minister has said, I suggest that it is the best method for bringing forward concrete subjects for discussion by this house-in fact the only method that is available to private members.
If the government has a programme of war legislation ready to proceed with, and necessity required that it be proceeded with, I should be among the first to try to help forward the government's war effort. But that is not the case. The government might very well give to-day and Wednesday to private members, allowing them the opportunity which the constitutional practice of this house gives them.
I suggest to the Prime Minister that he amend his motion to read "on and after the twenty-fourth of this month". If he will not do that I suggest that he enlarge the motion not only to take in the introduction of private bills but also to facilitate the consideration of

Precedence for Government Business
private bills. There are some already introduced and I presume there will be others. Under this proposal, unless the government saw fit to facilitate it, there is no opportunity afforded for proceeding with private legislation. We ought not to bar private legislation. My right hon. friend will remember that last year a special motion had to be passed in order to facilitate the consideration of certain private legislation in this house. I suggest, therefore, that in any event the Prime Minister ought to change his motion in order to make that possible and to obviate the necessity of a special resolution.
Once more I suggest to the Prime Minister that the right of the private member to bring forward by way of motion any matter of public interest and importance has long obtained in this house, and ought not to be taken away except in situations of the utmost gravity. Whether or not the Prime Minister has made out a case of such gravity at the present moment I leave it to the house to decide.


Mr. M. J. OOLDWELL (Rosetown Biggar):: I should like to support the suggestions made by the leader of the opposition (Mr. Hanson). I do not think there is an hon. member in this house who would wish to deny to the government the right of precedence in the present emergency. It is true that last May we agreed to the passage of a resolution similar to the one now proposed. At that time, on behalf of the group with which I am associated, I suggested that perhaps later in the session some opportunity -might be given for the consideration of the resolutions and bills -of private members, but that was not found possible.
I would respectfully submit to the Prime Minister that while in England similar resolutions were passed, at the instance first of Mr. Chamberlain and latterly of the Lord Privy Seal, conditions in the two countries are not altogether analogous, for the reason that we are paying very little attention to those grave domestic problems which, if they are allowed to continue to simmer as they are simmering at the present time, will interfere with our war effort more than almost anything else I can think of. During the last several months I -have been over a good deal of this country, and people are asking the question: "What is to happen after the war has been won? Are we going back to the conditions we knew prior to 1939?" These domestic problems require attention, and one of the ways in which they are brought forward is through the resolutions of private members.
There is now on the order paper in the name of the hon. member for Vancouver East (Mr. Maclnnis) a resolution dealing with old age pensions. In Great Britain old age pensions have been almost doubled since the war broke out. There are other matters of equal importance, brought about by the rising cost of living, which ought to receive the consideration of this house. While I am not intimating that we want to interfere in any way with the precedence of all government measures relating to the war, I suggest to the Prime Minister that some safeguard should be given the private members in order that they may introduce legislation and resolutions and thus bring before parliament problems of domestic importance. I would support the suggestion of the leader of the opposition that unless the government has an immediate programme to introduce, for this week at least the resolutions of private members should be proceeded with.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker, if no one else wishes to speak I would say to my hon. friends who have referred to the legislative programme that what is being presented to-day is almost identical with the programme that was presented to this house at the beginning of last session. Despite the fact that there are not a number of bills on the order paper, having regard to the estimates, which cover the entire work of government; the war appropriation bill, which covers the expenditures on war account, and the budget, which has to do with the ways and means by which the revenues are to be raised, the house has before it at the present time a very large programme of government business. These are all measures that must pass this house if public business is to be carried on, and I venture to say that if the house should give its entire attention to the war appropriation bill, the estimates and the budget, we shall be here for a couple of months at least before we reach the end of that programme. No hon. member in this chamber can begin to surmise what may happen within even a couple of weeks. I think it important that we should get as far under way with our government business as may be possible, just as speedily as possible. I come back to what I have already said, the legislative programme to all intents and purposes is in its nature the same as the programme of last session, which was also a war session; it is all related to war measures and the carrying on of the government of the country at a time of war.
As to the resolutions on the order paper, I will not go as far as my hon. friend the leader of the opposition (Mr. Hanson), who said that with the exception of one or two none of them were of any importance, but

Precedence for Government Business
I will say that there is not on the order paper a single resolution that I have read which brings forward a question of public interest that could not be fully discussed either on going into committee of supply or when we are in committee on the estimates relating directly or indirectly to the particular subject to which it refers. That, I think, is the proper time to discuss these matters.
My hon. friend the leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (Mr. Coldwell) has just mentioned old age pensions. Well, this house has to vote money for that purpose. What better opportunity could there possibly be for a complete discussion of that question than when the item in the estimates on old age pensions is before the committee? The advantage of discussing these matters on the estimates will be that every member of the house will know in advance just when these matters are likely to be taken up. On the other hand, should we follow the usual procedure we would have before us a series of resolutions, and until some hon. member proceeds with his resolution no one would know what was going to be taken up. I quite agree with my hon. friends the leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation and the leader of the opposition that no question of public importance should be sidetracked by the government under the pretext that precedence must be given to matters concerning our war effort. I will undertake to say that if questions of that character are brought up and the house is of the opinion that they require a full discussion, somehow arrangements will be made in order that such discussion may take place. I do wish to say, however, that when my hon. friend asks us to give this week for the resolutions of private members, I, for one, would not take upon myself the responsibility of saying that we were serving the public interest, in the manner I think we are expected to serve it, by devoting time to the resolutions that stand in the names of private members, instead of taking up those other measures to which I have just made reference.


Mr. T. L. CHURCH (Broadview):: I have no objection to this motion if, as the Prime Minister says, it is going to enhance our war effort, but I do not believe it is. After all is said and done, the government have been three years late in adopting many of the measures that private members have introduced in an attempt to give leadership to the government. I refer to national registration; a larger navy, army and air force; the youth training schemes of the Minister of Labour, and many similar matters. The Prime Min-

ister might just as well abolish this House of Commons altogether, because when this motion carries we are going to be simply a body of yes-men and nodders. The duties of the opposition are constitutional. The opposition is here to criticize government legislation. The opposition is the alternative government. If the opposition objects to government measures the government either amends them or compromises, and the countiy is given the parliamentary and constitutional rule to which it is entitled. This house is the only place where the man on the street, through his member, can have his grievances ventilated or where he can find out what is the government's policy and what is the policy of the opposition.
Since the Prime Minister has adopted this attitude this house might as well meet in secret, because the press no longer reports the proceedings of the House of Commons. The government has usurped the powers of the private members. I would not object if you took away private members' days at once, but I do not believe that would lead to any greater war effort. We have been too late in everything. Since the house last met we have had minister after minister going across the country announcing expenditures running into hundreds of millions of dollars, over the head of parliament; and in England even one of the deputies announced a huge expenditure which had never been considered by the house. Treaties have been entered into at Washington, and we heard of one of these from a member of the joint defence board, the mayor of New York. He announced certain policies to be adopted by this country for the joint defence of the two countries before this House of Commons heard anything about them.
It was things like this that caused this war; it was interference with constitutions that caused this war. "Yes-men and nodders" caused this war, as the evolution of tyranny in Germany and Italy and Russia was only made possible by those representing the people who at the start surrendered their powers and functions to autocracy there, and that is how the dictators were installed, and once they are installed it is not possible, except by force, to unhorse them. It is coming to that in Canada as, unnoticed, the powers, functions and privileges of the private member are usurped by outside boards and by the executive. The private member is the connecting link between the government of the day and the electorate, and where he ceases to function all parliamentary government is at an end, and we are on dangerous ground. The people are not given the facts and know nothing of what is going on, and this house might just as well meet in

Precedence jor Government Business
secret or not at all, as owing to this usurpation the press no longer reports the House of Commons.
The private member is being treated with contempt. For instance, the members from the Toronto district have never been invited by the Minister of National Defence (Mr. Ralston), the Minister of National Defence for Air (Mr. Power), or the Minister of National Defence for Naval Affairs (Mr. Macdonald) to attend a single function since the war started, or to see how the money is being spent. I did get one letter from the late Minister of National Defence, Mr. Rogers, in which he asked for constructive criticism. Everybody wants to assist the government in the conduct of its business, so long as the government gets on with the war effort. But the people are not satisfied with the war effort so far in Canada.
The government misjudged the question of man power and the whole European situation. The government was too late with munitions, too late with everything. A year ago the government was depending on France and the Maginot line to hold on until they got ready, but we know now what happened. This year, in the same way, they are depending on the United States instead of on Britain and themselves. The Toronto members have been treated with contempt. There are more than 5,600 men in the Manning depot, but not one member from that district has been invited to visit this depot, to see how this and other military expenditures are being made and how the war is being conducted.


Georges Parent: I must call the attention of the hon. member to the fact that on this motion he cannot enter into a discussion of the merits of the policy of the government.


Mr. ROSS (Moose Jaw):: The hon. member is entirely out of order, because the debate was closed with the Prime Minister's reply.


Thomas Langton Church: I am just about to conclude. I am simply defending the rights of the private members in this house to function and get the facts. If we have no rights, it would be better to close up the house at once. With the appointment of all these outside boards, our functions and powers have been taken away from us, without our knowledge or consent. In my opinion, the Prime Minister has been acting as a dictator. He treats the members of his own party, and the opposition as well, as though they were a lot of yes-men and nodders. I am objecting to the way he treats the private members. As a member of parliament I have certain rights and privileges. I was not sent here to represent myself; I was sent here to represent a constituency.
I may be the only one to do it, but I protest against this manner of doing business.
The members of the opposition have certain functions which they should carry out. We should not be asked to sit here when boards have usurped our powers and functions. As I understand the constitution, it is the duty of you, Mr. Speaker, to protect the private member when his rights and privileges are being taken away. The Minister of Finance gave us no notice whatsoever about this war certificate campaign until the night before it opened; he wired us to help but did not say how, and we never received even a pamphlet about it. I got a letter this morning from the Minister of National War Services (Mr. Gardiner) asking me as a member of parliament to take part in a rags, bones and bottle campaign.
The government are too late even with this. About a year ago I moved for a return in connection with the sale of copper, pig-iron, scrap-iron and other base metals to Germany, Italy, Russia and other dictator countries. This return which was not brought down until the middle of the summer, showed an awful state of affairs. At that time the city of Toronto carried on a campaign of its own to collect and utilize waste materials, and a large sum was realized. But the city started that campaign itself and finished it itself. Now when parliament is reassembling we are being asked to take part in a rags, bones and bottle campaign, and that is the sum total of our invitation to help in this war.
If the government want to get on with the war effort, let them get on with it and not treat the private members with contempt. There was never a prime minister who talked more about the supremacy of parliament than the present Prime Minister, but since the war started he has set himself up as a dictator. I will not object if we close up to-morrow. It might be a good thing to do that and let these outside boards which have assumed our functions take over. Some of them are all "board", because nothing has been done. If the government is sincere in wanting to get on with the war effort there should be some real recruiting in Canada and real aid to Britain, not this "on again, off again, on again" type of recruiting. Public confidence has been lost, as was demonstrated in the last loan campaign, by lack of leadership.
I am not objecting to taking away private members' days, but I do object to members of parliament not being given the information they should receive under parliamentary practice. I reassert the rights of the opposition to air grievances as to the conduct of the war
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Criminal Code-Motor Car Accidents
and1 of the civil departments, as well as of these outside boards and other bodies which are usurping the rights and privileges of the members of the opposition in this honourable house.
Motion (Mr. Mackenzie King) agreed to.



CRIMINAL CODE


[Stage Direction]
Hon. T. L. CHURCH (Broadview) moved for leave to introduce Bill No. 10, to amend the Criminal Code.
Some hon. MEMBERS:: Explain.


Thomas Langton Church: This bill brings up again
the awful slaughter which takes place upon the highways of Canada. The object of the bill is to increase the penalty from "a fine not exceeding $500 and costs or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months" to a term of "not less than six months and not exceeding twelve months". There will be no option of a fine and the driver's car will be subject to seizure and forfeiture. The lives lost and the persons injured upon our highways exceed by far the deaths and injuries caused by this war. They equal the havoc caused by plague, pestilence, famine, battle, murder and sudden death. The responsibility is now upon parliament to take some action in this matter.
I do not want to see the Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie King), the leader of the opposition (Mr. Hanson) or the Minister of Justice (Mr. Lapointe) killed upon the highway. Several soldiers have been killed by hit and run drivers when on military duty. This type of driver is the most cowardly of all. He who hits and runs away will return to kill another day. Ninety-eight per cent of our drivers are careful; it is only the two per cent who create this problem. This slaughter goes on and yet nothing is done about it. I am laying this bill upon the doorstep of the government, because after all it is their duty to solve this problem.
Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.



NATIONAL BIRD DAY


[Stage Direction]
Mr. J. R. MacNICOL (Davenport) moved for leave to introduce Bill No. 11, respecting national bird day.
Some hon. MEMBERS:: Explain.


Mr. MacNICOL:: When the estimates were being considered last year in connection with

a grant to the Jack Miner bird sanctuary at Kingsville, Ontario, I stated that I felt that this country ought to do something while Jack Miner was still alive to commemorate the wonderful work he is doing.
The purport of the bill is that the government of this country proclaim April 10, which is Jack Miner's birthday, a national bird day in honour and commemoration of the marvellous work that has been done by this greatest conservationist of wild life and particularly bird life. Jack Miner, while not Canadian born, is and has been a Canadian all his life, and his family were all raised here. A short time ago a citizen who had read in Hansard the remarks I had made last session in connection with Jack Miner wrote me a letter suggesting that Jack Miner's birthday should be commemorated and a national bird day be proclaimed in his honour. He will be seventy-six next birthday. We have quite a number of national days of one kind or another which we observe. We have a fire prevention week, which I believe is a. United States institution, but it is also observed here during the week of October 9, which is the anniversary of the great Chicago fire.
In April the birds, both wild and tame, will be returning to this country from the south. The tame birds will be bringing their song and colour to delight us, and the wild birds will be alighting in the constituency of my hon. friend the member for Cochrane (Mr. Bradette), where hundreds of thousands of geese and ducks, after leaving Jack Miner's sanctuary, stop over on their flight to the north.
Briefly, then, the purport of the bill is to honour Jack Miner. When the bill is before the house for second reading I shall have more to say. I think this would be a well deserved though long delayed honour that we might well pay to Canada's greatest living naturalist and one of the world's great men to-day.
Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.



QUESTIONS

[Stage Direction]
(Questions answered orally are indicated by an asterisk.)

Mr. ROSS (Calgary East):: 1.	What reports, if any, have been made by the committee appointed under P.C. order 4068J, dated December 8, 1939, regarding the problems which will arise from the demobilization and the discharge from time to time of

Questions
members of the forces during and after the conclusion of the present war, and the rehabilitation of such members into civil life?
2.	What recommendations, if any, have been made by the committee set up under P.C. order 5421, dated October 8, 1940?
3.	What does the government propose to do with regard to the rehabilitation of personnel being discharged from time to time from the navy, army and air forces?
4.	If a general policy has not yet been formulated by the government with regard to discharged personnel, what is being done in the meantime for persons being discharged from time to time from the navy, army and air forces?


Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre):: Mr. Speaker, this question was answered in detail in the statement I made to the house on December 6, 1940, and I therefore ask that the question be dropped.
Question dropped.



MUNITIONS AND SUPPLY-AMHERST, N.S., CANADIAN CAR AND FOUNDRY PLANT


Mr. REID:: 1.	Has the government's attention been drawn to the information as stated by the New York News of November 26 to have been given the United States government by the government of Great Britain that specially trained nazi secret agents and saboteurs are presumably fleeing to vital world countries masquerading as authentic Jewish refugees to operate under direct orders of Germany?
2.	Has any such information been given to the Canadian government, and, if so, (a) are appropriate steps being taken to safeguard against such visitors or immigrants, and (b) are any further investigations or checks being made on those who have come to Canada since April, 1939?


Mr. CASGRAIN:: 1.	The Canadian legation has ascertained informally, from the United States State Department, that they have no record of having received any such communication from the United Kingdom government.
2.	No. (a) and (b). A thorough investigation is made of all refugees before they are allowed to enter Canada and a close check is kept on them after they are in Canada.


TIMBER CONTROL-EXPORT OF LOGS
Mr. REID:: 1.	Have any steps been taken to prohibit the export of- logs?
2.	If so, what prohibitions have been put into effect, and (a) do any such prohibitions apply to all provinces, and (b) are all such regulations or prohibitions formulated by the timber controller?


Mr. HOWE:: 1.	Yes.
2.	An order prohibiting the export of all fir sawlogs from British Columbia to nonBritish empire destinations was issued by the timber controller on July 6 last, to take effect on July 10, for a period of three months. This was subsequently extended for a further period of two months. Order in council No. 7156 of December 4, 1940, provides that "no person shall export from Canada Douglas fir sawlogs without first having obtained a permit issued by, or on behalf of, the Minister of National Revenue".
(a)	This embargo applies in effect only to the province of British Columbia as it is the only province from which Douglas fir sawlogs are generally exported.
(b)	Yes.


MERCHANT VESSELS FOR BRITISH ACCOUNT-USE OF ATLANTIC SHIPYARDS
Mr. BLACK (Cumberland):: 1. Will contracts for the eighteen large merchant vessels for the British government
Questions

account, announced by the Minister of Munitions and Supply on November 20, be awarded only to shipyards on the St. Lawrence river and the Pacific coast?
2.	If so, for what reason?
3.	Why are Atlantic coast shipyards not to be given an opportunity to share in this construction ?


Mr. HOWE:: 1.	Yes.
2.	They are the only shipyards whose facilities are available to undertake such construction at the present time.
3.	Facilities of Atlantic coast shipyards equipped to undertake construction of this character are at the present time fully occupied with ships' repairs.


NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL-RACIAL ORIGIN OF PERSONNEL
Mr. McGREGOR:: 1.	What are the names of the members of the research board, including the national research council?
2.	What is the racial origin of each?


Mr. MacKINNON (Edmonton West):: 
LL.D., F.R.S.C., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.,
[Stage Direction]
Gilman Cheney Professor of Biochemistry, and Head of the Department, McGill University	 English

Members of	Racial
National Research Council	Origin
E. P. Fetherstonhaugh, M.C., B.Sc., F.R.S.A., M.E.I.C., Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Manitoba	 Irish
Beaudry Leman, B.Sc., C.E., D.C.Sc., President and Managing Director,
Banque Canadienne Nationale
French and English
O. Maass, B.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., Macdonald Professor of Physical Chemistry and Head of the Department of
Chemistry, McGill University 

 Dutch
R. J. Tallon, Esq., Secretary-Treasurer,
Trades and Labour Congress of
Canada	 Irish
His Excellency Mgr. Alexandre Vachon, M.A., Ph.M., S.T.D., D.Sc.,
LL.D., F.R.S.C., F.C.I.C., Archbishop
of Ottawa	 French
R. C. Wallace, Ph.D., D.Sc., LL.D.,
F.G.S., F.R.S.C., Principal, Queen's University	 Scotch

Mr. McGREGOR:: Is Dr. E. W. Stapleford receiving a superannuation or other allowance from the Saskatchewan university or the government of the province of Saskatchewan, and, if so, what amount?


Mr. GARDINER:: I am informed that Dr. Stapleford is in receipt of an annuity of
82,000	provided from funds of the Rockefeller foundation through arrangements made by the board of Regina college and the University of Saskatchewan at the time Regina college was taken over by the university.


EMPLOYMENT OF DR. CHRISTIE, HARRY BUTCHER AND EMMETT COLLINS
Mr. CARDIFF:: 1.	Are the following employed in the public service: (a) Dr. Christie, formerly of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan; (b) Harry Butcher, former member of parliament; (c) Emmett Collins, formerly of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan?
2.	If so, where are they employed?
3.	What salary do they receive?


Mr. GARDINER:: 
ORDERS IN COUNCIL PASSED SINCE OUTBREAK OF WAR
Mr. DIEFENBAKER:: How many orders in council liave been passed, (a) since the outbreak of war; (b) while parliament has been in actual session (1) during the period May 16 to August 7, and (2) during the present session, November 7 to date?


William Lyon Mackenzie King: (a)	8,809 orders in council and 6,121 treasury board minutes-from the outbreak of war (10th September, 1939) up to and including 6th December, 1940.
(b)	(1) 1,762 orders in council and 1,035 treasury board minutes-from 16th May to 7th August, 1940, both dates inclusive. (2) 897 orders in council and 450 treasury board minutes-from 7th November to 6th December, 1940, both dates inclusive.


NAVAL OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL-WESTERN CANADA
Mr. HAZEN:: 1.	Has the government purchased a site in western Canada for a school for training naval officers ?
2.	If so, from whom was it purchased?
3.	Where is it located?
4.	How many acres does it contain?
5.	What was the purchase price?


Mr. MACDONALD (Kingston City):: 1.	The government has purchased a property in British Columbia where officer training is carried on in addition to similar training on the east coast.
2.	Royal Trust Co., Victoria, B.C., executors of the estate of the late Laura N. Dunsmuir.
3.	Victoria, B.C.
4.	645 acres.
5.	$75,000.00 for land and buildings.


BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Mr. HANSELL:: 1.	When, how and by what authority was the bureau of public information established?
2.	Under what department of the government is this bureau, and to what minister is it responsible ?
3.	How many press releases were made up by the bureau to the end of November, 1940, in what papers were they published and how many in each?
4.	What is the general function and what are the duties of the bureau?
5.	In what manner does this bureau cooperate with (a) the press; (b) the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and other radio stations in Canada; (c) the motion picture industry?
6.	What axe the duties of each person employed by the bureau at a salary of $1,000 per year or over?
7.	What has been the total cost of operating the bureau to the end of November, 1940, including news service, communication services, radio and moving pictures services, and printing?
8.	What duties are being performed by this bureau that could not be performed by the various news agencies, press and periodicals now established in Canada?


Mr. GARDINER:: 1.	By order in council P.C. 2474, August 30, 1939, various subcommittees were constituted, including one on public information, under the chairmanship of the Hon. N. A. McLarty, Minister of Labour. Order in council P.C. 2654, September 12, 1939, and order in council P.C. 3018, October 12, 1939, assigned certain powers to the subcommittee of council on public information. Order in council P.C. 4073, December 8, 1939, appointed a director of public information and outlined his duties.
2.	Transferred to the Department of National War Services under P.C. 3333, dated July 19, 1940, and responsible to the Minister of National War Services, the Hon. J. G. Gardiner.
3.	(a) 772. (b) No statistics available.
4.	To provide for the collection, coordination and dissemination to the public of information concerning all phases of Canada's war effort and the various activities of the government related thereto. To coordinate existing public information services, such as radio and motion pictures, and to originate or employ other means in order that they may be used in the most efficient way for the prosecution of the war.
5.	(a) By arranging weekly press conferences with various ministers for representatives of the press; by providing factual and reference material direct; by assisting newspapers to reach for themselves sources of news and information. (b) By frequent consultations with officials of the Canadian association of broadcasters. (This association represents all the independent radio stations in Canada.) (c) By arranging for and advancing production of documentary films through the national film board for theatrical and non-theatrical distribution and the encouragement of independent newsreel operations.
6.	Walter Herbert-Assistant to the director.
George Hambleton-Weekly news editor.
Miss M. A. Mosley-Secretary to the
director.
Bruce West-Photo editor.
Joffre Dechene-Assistant photo editor.
Guy Jasmin-Special writer (French).
Placide Labelle-Special writer (French).
Miss H. Hilborn-Stenographer (English).
Miss J. McMillan-Stenographer (English).
Miss F. Potts-Stenographer (English).
Miss D. Hall-Stenographer (English).
Miss T. Brunet-Stenographer (French).
Miss M. Menard-Stenographer (French).
J. G. A. Boisvert-Distribution clerk (French).
Questions

Miss E. Hodgins-Distribution clerk (English).
Paul Houle-File clerk.
L. W. Broekington-Special duties for Prime Minister and war committee of the cabinet.
Miss G. Kidd-Clerk, grade 3 (library).
7.	$202,672.42; (a) Expenditure to November 30, 1940, $82,432.59.	(b) Commitments
for which accounts not received as at November 30, 1940, $120,239.83.
8.	All the duties outlined in answers (4) and (5).


LABOUR DEPARTMENT-DEPUTY MINISTER AND ASSISTANTS
Mr. BENCE:: 1.	Who is the deputy minister of labour?
2.	When was he appointed?
3.	What is his salary?
4.	Who was his predecessor?
5.	What was his salary?
6.	Has an associate deputy minister of labour been appointed?
7.	If so, is this a new position?
8.	Who has been appointed to this position?
9.	What is his salary?
10.	Has an executive assistant to the deputy minister of labour been appointed?
11.	If so, is this a new position?
12.	Who has been appointed to this position?
13.	What is the salary of the person so appointed?


Mr. McLARTY:: 1.	Dr. Bryce Morrison Stewart.
2.	November 1, 1940.
3.	$10,000 per annum.
4.	Mr. William M. Dickson.
5.	$8,000 per annum.
6.	Yes.
7.	Yes.
8.	Mr. Arthur MacNamara.
9.	$9,000 per annum.
10.	A general executive assistant, Department of Labour, has been appointed.
11.	Yes.
12.	Mr. A. G. MacLachlan.
13.	$4,080 per annum.
ROYAL CANADLtN AIR FORCE-OTTAWA HEADQUARTERS STAFF


Mr. REID:: 1.	What is the total number of personnel employed at the headquarters staff of the air force in Ottawa, (a) in the service; (b) civilians (1) male, (2) female?
2.	How many members of the service staff are engaged in clerical work?
3.	How many of the service staff hold the rank of officer from pilot officer upward, and what number of each rank?
4.	How many commissioned officers saw service in the last war?
5.	How many civilians have been transferred from other branches of the government service for employment on headquarters staff?

6.	How many of service personnel were formerly employed in the civil service?
7.	What is the number of the civilian and service clerical staff at Uplands?


Mr. POWER:: 1.	(a) 750.
(b) (1) 353.
(b) (2) 502.
2.	248.
3.	291	R.C.A.F.,	18 R.A.F., total, 309.
Air vice-marshals, 3; air commodores, 7; group captains, 11; wing commanders, 22; squadron leaders, 28; flight lieutenants, 77; flying officers, 152; pilot officers, 9.
4.	123.
5.	1. In addition 27 are on loan from other government departments.
6.	56.
7.	Civilian, 24; service, 29.
Figures in Questions 1 to 6 include airmen's records office.


AIR SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOLS-USE OF FLOUR NOT MILLED IN CANADA
Mr. BENCE:: 1.	Has any flour, which was not milled in Canada, been purchased for use in any air service training school in Canada since September 4, 1939?
2.	If so, where was it milled, and what quantity was supplied?
3.	To what training schools was it sent?


Mr. HOWE:: 1.	So far as can be ascertained, the Department of Munitions and Supply did not purchase any flour which was not milled in Canada for use of any air service training school.
Since August 14, 1940, the specifications on flour bought by the department reads: "Flour, soft pastry: The product of good, sound, sweet and dry Canadian-grown wheat without any adulteration."
2.	Answered by 1.
3.	Answered by 1.


FAUQUIER, ONT., POSTMASTERSHIP
Mr. ROSS (St. Paul's):: 1.	Who is the postmaster at Fauquier, Ontario?
2.	When was he appointed?
3.	What remuneration is paid to him?
4.	Is he a returned soldier?
5.	Did any returned soldiers apply for the position?
6.	Was the position advertised for open competition?
7.	if not, why?


Mr. MULOCK:: 1.	Lorenzo Guillemette.
2.	23rd September, 1940.
3.	$629.75 based on revenue for 1939-40.
4.	No.

Questions
5.	No suitable returned soldier applied.
6.	No.
7.	By the amendment to the Civil Service Act passed on 26 May, 1932, revenue postmasters at offices with a revenue of not more than $3,000 were removed from .the scope of the Civil Service Act. In accordance with the usual procedure, returned soldiers' organization was advised of the vacancy in case any returned soldiers were interested.


OVERSEAS ACCOUNTING SECTION-MR. SPROULE
Mr. McGREGOR:: 1.	Was a Mr. Sproule appointed to the overseas accounting section?
2.	If so, when, and who recommended his appointment?
3.	Is this a civil service appointment?
4.	Did the civil service commission make this appointment?
5.	What salary does he receive?
6.	What salaries do the sub-heads in this department receive?
7.	Was Mr. Sproule asked for by the head of this department?
8.	What experience has he had in this particular line of work?
9.	Did Mr. Sproule make application to the civil service commission before appointment?
10.	Was the civil service commission requisitioned by the department?


Mr. HOWE:: 1.	Yes.
2.	December 5, 1940. The deputy minister, Department of Munitions and Supply.
3.	Yes.
4.	Yes
5.	$2,720 per annum.
6.	$2,220 and $3,360 per annum.
7.	The head of the division requested of the civil service that a man be supplied for this position.
8.	Mr. Sproule conducted his own business for 18 years, employing 20 to 35 employees, and has had the necessary supervisional experience required in his present work.
9.	Yes.
10.	Yes.


COLIN MACKENZIE, K.C.
Mr. MacLEAN (Cape Breton North-Victoria) :: 1.	Is Mr. Colin MacKenzie, K.C., of Sydney, Nova Scotia, serving in any capacity under the Department of National Defence?
2.	If so, what are his duties and authority?
3.	Has the department or any officer in military district Number 6 instructed officers in Cape Breton to take orders only from Mr. MacKenzie for the supply of stoves and other materi als?


Mr. CASGRAIN:: 1.	and 2. Mr. Colin MacKenzie, K.C., of Sydney, Nova Scotia, is not employed by the
Department of National Defence. He is an agent of the Department of Justice and receives his authority from that department.
3.	No such instructions have been issued by this department. If officers in Cape Breton have issued such instructions they have done so without authority.


PROCEDURE IN EMPLOYMENT OF SYDNEY MINES YOUNG MEN ON DEFENCE PROJECTS
Mr. MacLEAN (Cape Breton North-Victoria) :: _ Must young men of Sydney Mines, who are in need of employment, first go to Sydney, Cape Breton South, and obtain employment slips before being employed in their home town on defence projects?


Mr. McLARTY:: Placements on Department of National Defence projects in Cape Breton are made by the Employment Service of Canada. While the Department of Labour subsidizes the operation of the free public employment offices in Nova Scotia, they are under the direct control and supervision of the provincial government. The nearest office to Sydney Mines is that at Sydney, but the province has a special placement officer for the district, dealing with national defence placements. Sydney Mines is one of the points visited by this officer, whose name is C. C. Ogilvie.


CHESTER WALTERS
Mr. COLDWELL:: 1.	Is Mr. Chester Walters in receipt of a pension from the Dominion of Canada?
2.	If so, what is the amount?


Mr. ILSLEY:: 1.	Yes, a superannuation allowance.
2.	$1,941.67 per annum.


UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD
[Stage Direction]
Mr. LaCROIX (Quebec-Montmorency):
Why did not the Labour Minister appoint a French-speaking Canadian on the unemployment insurance advisory board?
Norman Alexander McLarty: For the reason that at the time the commissioners of the unemployment insurance commission were appointed, the chief commissioner and one other commissioner were residents of the province of Quebec. It was felt that fair representation of other geographical sections of Canada could only be secured by making the appointments to the unemployment insurance advisory committee in the manner in which they were made.



Questions as Orders for Returns



QUESTIONS PASSED AS ORDERS FOR RETURNS


Mr. MacINNIS:: 1.	How many licences have been applied for to export minerals to Japan from October 1,
1939,	to date?	, ,
2.	How many licences have been granted for the same period?
3.	How many licences have been refused?
4.	How many licences are still under consideration?
5.	How many such licences have been applied for and approved since October 1, 1940, to date?
6.	How many licences have been applied for to export copper or copper concentrates to Japan from October 1, 1940, to date?
7.	How many such licences have been
granted?	. .
8.	What metals, and what quantities of each have been exported to Japan from October 1,
1940,	to date?


Mr. CASGRAIN:: Return tabled.



GOVERNMENT PURCHASES OF ANTI-FREEZE

[Stage Direction]
Mr. MeGREGOR:
1.	IIow much anti-freeze was purchased by each department of the government during the years 1939 and 1940?
2.	From what companies was this material purchased and how much from each?
3.	What quantity has been delivered to each department and has it been satisfactory?
Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES-TRACK SCALES AND RAILWAY TEST CAR

Mr. DOUGLAS (Weyburn):: 1.	How many track scales are known to the Department of Trade and Commerce to be in use in Canada, and (a) who is the owner of each, and (b) in what province is each situated?
2.	Are these track scales inspected by the weights and measures service, and, if so, what method and equipment is used?
3.	Is the equipment used for testing track scales owned by the government?
4.	How are the weights of railway test cars
verified, and how often?	.
5.	How many have been verified during the past ten years?


James Angus MacKinnon: Return tabled.



DUFFERIN PAVING COMPANY-JAMES FRAN CESCHINI

Mr. DIEFENBAKER:: 1.	Is James Franceschini, at present in an internment camp, connected as an officer, shareholder or otherwise, with the Dufferin Paving Company Limited, Toronto, Ontario?
2.	What are the particulars of the contract or contracts that have been awarded to the said company by this government since the internment of said Franceschini?


Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.
[Mr. McLarty.l



GERMAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN CANADA-RATIONS

Mr. NICHOLSON:: What are the details with regard to the quantities and items of the rations supplied, monthly, to each German prisoner of war interned in Canada?


Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.



PORTSMOUTH PENITENTIARY STAFF

Mr. ROSS (Souris):: 1.	Since September, 1939, how many men employed at the Kingston penitentiary, Portsmouth, Ontario, have been (a) discharged; (b) superannuated; (c) let out on leave for military service?
2.	Since September, 1939, how many men have been taken on the strength of Kingston penitentiary?
3.	What are the names and addresses of men taken on strength since September, 1939?
4.	What are their respective ages?
5.	What military service have they had, if any?


Mr. LAPOINTE (Quebec East):: Return
tabled.



COLLINS BAY PENITENTIARY STAFF

Mr. ROSS (Souris):: 1. Since September, 1939, how many men employed at the Collins Bay penitentiary, Collins Bay, Ontario, have been (a) discharged; (b) superannuated; (e) let out on leave for military service?
2. Since September, 1939, how many men have been taken on the strength of the Collins Bay penitentiary?
3.	What are the names and addresses of those taken on since September, 1939?
4.	W'hat are their respective ages?
5.	What military service, if any, have they had?


Ernest Lapointe: Return
tabled.



EMPLOYMENT OF JUDGES IN EXTRA-JUDICIAL WORK

[Stage Direction]
Mr. MeGREGOR:
1.	How many royal commissions have been set up by the federal governments since 1923?
2.	What are the names of the judges who served on these commissions, and what amounts were paid to each of them?
3.	What judges are now serving on boards of review under the Farmers' Creditors Arrangement Act, and what salary, allowances and expenses does each receive for this work?
4.	While so employed, are judges also paid their statutory salaries?
Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.

Motions for Papers



PAYMENTS TO CIVIL SERVANTS IN NAVAL, ARMY AND AIR FORCES

Mr. PURDY:: 1.	Are there any civil servants, permanent or temporary, now engaged in office work at Ottawa or elsewhere in Canada with the defence services at rates of pay, allowance and tax exemption which gives them a higher rate of income than they secured in their civil positions?
2.	If so, what is the number involved, and the aggregate increase in remuneration?


Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.



PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECHES

Mr. ROSS (St. Paul's):: 1.	Have any speeches delivered by the Prime Minister since September 1, 1939, been printed at the public expense?
2.	If so, how many speeches have been so printed, and what was the subject matter of each such speech?
3.	How many copies of each such speech were printed?
4.	What was the cost of printing each such
speech ?
5.	Were such speeches distributed by any government department or agency?
6.	If so, by what department or agency?
7.	To whom were copies sent?
8.	What was the cost of such distribution?


Pierre-François Casgrain: Return tabled.



NORTH SYDNEY AIRPORT AND SYDNEY MINES BARRACKS

[Stage Direction]
Mr. MacLEAN	(Cape Breton North-
Victoria):
1.	From whom were the stoves purchased for use at airport at North Sydney and barracks at Sydney Mines?
2.	What type of stove was purchased and at what price each?
3.	Were they purchased through an agent? If so, what is the name of such agent?
Mr. MacLEAN (Cape Breton North-
Victoria) :
1.	From whom were each of the following properties purchased, (a) air field at Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; (b) that taken over for defence works at Centreville and Chapel Hill, Sydney Mines?
2.	What price was paid for each property?
3.	Was the amount paid to the owner in each case?
4.	If not, to what agent or agents were these amounts paid?
Mr. MacLEAN (Cape Breton North-Victoria) :: 1. Were tenders called for the construction of barracks at Centreville and Chapel Hill, Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia?
2- On whose recommendation was the foreman at Chapel Hill barracks appointed?
14873-51}



COLIN MACKENZIE, K.C.

Mr. MacLEAN (Cape Breton North-Victoria) :: 1.	Is Mr. Colin MacKenzie of Sydney, Nova Scotia, employed by the dominion government or any department thereof?
2.	If so, what are his duties and salary?



MOTIONS FOR PAPERS


Mr. BENCE:: For a copy of the letter or letters of resignation of Mr. W. J. Sanderson from his position in the Department of Munitions and Supply, and any correspondence, memoranda or other documents relating to such resignation.


Alfred Henry Bence: For a ?opy,	letters, telegrams, memoranda and other communications or documents passing between the Minister of National War Services or any official of the Department of National War Services or any official of any other department of the government, and Mr w* 3 - Sanderson or any official of Fleet Aircraft Lmuted, relating to the training under the National Resources Mobilization Act of men employed in war industries.


Mr. COLD WELL:: For a copy of all correspondence in the possession of the government relating to the retirement of Mr. Chester Walters from the employ of the income tax department of the dominion government.


Alexander Malcolm Nicholson: For a copy of all correspondence, letters, telegrams, reports and other documents in the possession of the Department of Mines and Resources and dated during the years 1938. 1939 and 1940, in connection with the proposed highway between Nipawin, Saskatchewan, and him iIon, Manitoba.
He said: Mr. Speaker, I should like to amend this motion so that it will ask simply for the engineer's report instead of for all the correspondence, letters, telegrams and other documents.


Hon. T. A. CRERAR (Minister of Mines and Resources):: Mr. Speaker, I might offer a word of explanation. As the motion reads, it would involve a great deal of work to bring down the necessary documents. I spoke to the hon. member and ascertained that what

Motions for Papers
he really desired was a copy of the engineer's report, and he is now suggesting that his motion be amended accordingly. That is quite satisfactory and I now table a copy of the engineer's report.
Motion as amended agreed to.


Mr. G. J. TUSTIN (Prince Edward-Lennox) moved:: For a copy of all orders in council, correspondence, cables, memoranda of agreements and other documents relating to the arrangements made between his majesty's government in the United Kingdom and his majesty s government in Canada to transfer to and establish in Canada training schools for the Royal Air Force.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker, the documents and correspondence asked for by this motion would require us in the first place to obtain the consent of his majesty's government in the United Kingdom. But, apart from that, I may say to the hon. member who is asking for the production of these papers that they are of a confidential and secret nature, and therefore could not be made public at this time.
Motion dropped.
CANADIAN ARMY-RECRUITING; PAY AND ALLOWANCES


Thomas Langton Church: For a copy of all orders in council, rules and regulations, and all other instructions issued either under the Militia Act, the an force act, the naval affairs act, the army act, the War Measures Act, or the National Resources Mobilization Act, regarding recruiting and dealing with the rights and privileges, pay or allowances of soldiers of Canada s military forces.


Mr. RALSTON:: A somewhat similar motion was made by the hon. member in May 1940. At the time the then minister was absent from the house. The papers were not brought down, and the objections to making the return were conveyed by the late minister to my hon. friend under date of July 11, in a letter a copy of which I should like to table. It is as follows:
Dear Mr. Church,
In connection with your request for a copy of all orders to Military Districts regarding recruiting, etc., I have received a memorandum on this question from the Chief of the General Staff, which I give you herewith.
"1. To comply with this request would imply the production of,
(a) Mobilization instructions for the Canadian militia-1937, which is a document marked "Not to be published",
[Mr. Crerar.l
(b)	Certain recruiting memoranda which are "security" documents,
(c)	Copies of a great deal of correspondence on secret files of this department.
2.	As regards the documents mentioned in (a) and (b) above, it is pointed out that while the disclosure of much of what is contained in these publications would not in itself be prejudicial to the public interest or the safety of the state, there are certain other provisions in these documents whose publication probably would be detrimental. It would be difficult to disclose a portion of these documents without inferentially disclosing information regarding the non-published portions as well.
3.	As regards secret documents, these are clearly privileged and I consider that it would be prejudicial to the public interest and the safety of the state if extracts therefrom were furnished. It is also pointed out that if documents of this character are published, either in whole or in part, a precedent is created which might be extremely embarrassing in other cases and which would tend to loosen the restrictions heretofore imposed rvith respect to documents of this character.
4.	Again, it is to be noted that a large proportion of the correspondence in question refers to specific details of British war establishments and other British documents which the United Kingdom government classes as "security" documents. We hold these documents through the good will of the War Office and to publish details of them might in a sense be construed as a breach of the trust reposed in us to ensure their security.
5.	Incidentally, it may be observed that the volume of correspondence and documents which might be deemed to come within the meaning of Mr. Church's request is such that I am informed that the work of reproduction alone would involve the employment of perhaps ten experienced typists for about two weeks."
The minister then goes on:
In view of the above I anticipate you will agree that the return which you requested would not serve any useful purpose as it would contain material which it would not be in the public interest to give out.
I wish to point out, Mr. Speaker, that in connection with this motion the judge advocate general has given the opinion that to comply with the request of the hon. member it will be necessary to supply him with every statute, law, regulation, pamphlet, order in council and instruction having reference to the Canadian forces. This would constitute a fair-sized library.	_
I am going to suggest to my hon. friend that the motion pass on the understanding that the documents to be brought down for the army will be limited to the financial regulations and instructions for the Canadian active service force on active service, Canada and overseas, and copies of recruiting memoranda provided they are not marked "security", "secret" or "confidential".
I want to add that if there is any particular document he has in mind and to which he will refer me, if it is not in the class of

Wheat
"security", "secret" or "confidential" I shall be glad to consider having that brought down as well.


Thomas Langton Church: A motion for this return passed last year, but the return was never brought down because some heads of departments objected to it. Now, there are rules and regulations which this government has not the power to pass, nor has the deputy, and if the deputy minister is going to usurp the functions of members of the House of Commons it is going to hurt recruiting. It is in the interests of recruiting in this country that the acts which parliament passes should be carried out, and that rules and regulations issued in respect to them should not be wider than the acts themselves. Take recruiting: on again, off again-you do not know where it is. One of the heads of the departments reduced the pay, $1.30, of the soldiers. It may be only a small thing, but it hinders recruiting. I see no reason why the information for which I have asked should not be produced, and I desire to have your ruling, Mr. Speaker, because this order passed the House of Commons and the papers should be tabled.


Georges Parent: The minister has suggested that this order should pass as amended; perhaps the hon. member did not hear what he said. Is it the pleasure of the house to adopt the motion as amended?
Motion as amended agreed to.



&quot;TOOLS FOR TREACHERY&quot;


[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Major James William Coldwell: I would like to direct an inquiry to the Minister of Justice (Mr. Lapointe). I wish to draw to his attention an article by Commissioner S. T. Wood, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in the Canadian Spokesman of February 1941, entitled "Tools for Treachery", and particularly a sentence on page 6, reading as follows:
A few parliamentarians, who are apparently sincere but obviously uninformed or indifferent to facts, are greatly encouraging the subversive elements by attacking the defence regulations.
I should be glad if the minister would read this article and indicate whether or not it reflects the views of the department, and if he considers that this is a proper expression of opinion from a public official when the House of Commons is in session.


Ernest Lapointe: Well, I will ask for a copy of the publication mentioned by my hon. friend, and I will certainly read it.



INQUIRY AS TO PAYMENT ON 1939 CROP AND POLICY FOR 1941

[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Mr. ROBERT FAIR (Battle River):: May I ask the Minister of Trade and Commerce or the Minister of Agriculture when farmers may expect an interim or final payment on the 1939 crop, and also when the 1941 wheat policy will be announced?
Hon. JAMES A. MacKINNON (Minister of Trade and Commerce): I think that the answer to the first question will be found more or less in the report, tabled to-day, of the Canadian wheat board for the year 1938-39.


Richard Burpee Hanson: What is it? We have not seen it.


James Angus MacKinnon: It will be distributed immediately. Then, with regard to an announcement of policy covering the 1941 crop, it would be very easy to make a partial announcement immediately. We are, however, gathering information and hope within a very few days to make some partial announcement. We want to make that announcement as early as we possibly can so as to enable the farmers to make their plans for the year.
REPORT AS TO DISCONTINUANCE OF PROCESSING TAX ON WHEAT PROCESSED FOR FARMERS*



OWN USE

[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Alexander Malcolm Nicholson: I should like to direct a question to the Minister of Trade and Commerce. The Winnipeg Free Press of February 11 carries a Canadian Press dispatch from Hartland, New Brunswick, which states that the hon. member for Vietoria-Carleton (Mr. Hatfield) had said that he had received word from R. A. Ball, Secretary of the Canadian wheat board, to the effect that a processing tax of the board no longer would be collected from farmers hauling their own wheat to the mills for processing for their own use. Would the minister tell the house when the order in council was passed, and when it was tabled?


James Angus MacKinnon: The order in council was signed on February 1, and I believe appeared in the public press on the same day. Do I understand the hon. member to ask that a copy of the order be tabled? If so, I shall be glad to see that it is done.

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King



POSTAL SERVICE


[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Thomas Langton Church: I should like to call the attention of the Postmaster General to the inadequacy of the mail service in some of the residential districts of Toronto. The department is receiving an annual revenue of almost $9,000,000 from Toronto, yet in some of the retail store districts and many residential areas the mail is not delivered until 10.30, 11.00, 11.15 and sometimes 11.45 o'clock in the morning. The mail service is a public utility, and I would ask the Postmaster General if he would look into the matter and see if a better service cannot be afforded such as previously was given. Would he also consider giving back to the people the privilege of the one-cent drop letter in Toronto city? The public is entitled to a much better service, and I trust the minister will make an inquiry.


Hon. W. P. MULOCK (Postmaster General) :: I shall have to make inquiries, and shall accept what the hon. member has said as a notice of question.



LABOUR DISPUTE


[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Mr. ANGUS MacINNIS (Vancouver East):: May I ask the Minister of Labour if the attention of his department has been drawn to a case of alleged discrimination by the Biltmore Shirt Company of Montreal, at present engaged in the manufacture of shirts for the armed forces, against certain of their employees who are members of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers' Union and who have been discharged for attempting to organize the employees in that factory? If the matter has been drawn to the attention of the department, has any action been taken to have the discharged workers reinstated?


Norman Alexander McLarty: The hon. member for Vancouver East (Mr. Maclnnis) was good enough to give notice of his intention to ask this question. Information came to me shortly before noon to-day that the complaint to which he refers has been made. I was advised it was being investigated by the representative of the Department of Labour in Montreal. I have not yet had an opportunity of seeing his report. What may be done will of course depend upon the circumstances set out in that report.


THE	WAR-PRESENT	POSITION-STATEMENT
OF PRIME MINISTER ON MOTION OF MINISTER ,	OF FINANCE
Hon. J. L. ILSLEY (Minister of Finance) moved that the house go into committee of supply.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker, at the
beginning of the present session, I outlined the international situation in considerable detail. On December 2, shortly before the adjournment, I sought to give an appreciation of the progress of the war. I propose to-day briefly to review events from where I left off when parliament adjourned. I shall endeavour to set forth the significance which, it seems to me, attaches to the sequence of events and to the world situation as it now presents itself. This statement, I trust, will afford a suitable background against which to consider external affairs, and the 1941-42 war appropriation bill.
It is not possible to divorce war enactments and the foreign policy on which they are necessarily based. This is particularly the case at a time of war when both foreign policy and war measures themselves are focused upon the successful prosecution of the war. It is proposed, therefore, to proceed at once with the estimates of the Department of External Affairs, and the war appropriation bill. This procedure it is believed will give to the house at as early a date as possible the information it will most wish to have. It should also prove advantageous to the consideration of the matters certain to arise in the discussion on both the estimates of the Department of External Affairs and the war appropriation bill.
Hon. members, I know, will be anxious to hear from the ministers who have recently visited the United Kingdom, and from other members of the government concerned with the administration of Canada's war effort. When early in December, just before the adjournment of the house, I 9poke of the war, I gave reasons for the view that the situation for Britain and her allies was much better than it had been, not only at the time of the collapse of France, but in the months that- followed that appalling catastrophe. The development of events has borne out the justness of that view. In the United Kingdom, night bombing raids, which were then the subject of so much anxiety, have become not more, but less effective. Submarine attacks, though continuing to constitute the gravest menace, have, in fact, in recent weeks, grown not more, but less destructive. In spite of enemy attempts at interference, the

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output of British industry has developed at a faster tempo and on a wider scale. On land, on sea and in the air the defences of the British isles have been materially strengthened. The morale of the British people has remained unshaken. If anything, the entire population has become more determined than ever. In Europe the Royal Air Force has effected large scale destruction of industrial plants and agencies of communication, and of naval and air bases, particularly the so-called invasion ports. The British navy has continued to patrol waters adjacent to the British shores, and to protect the transportation of men, munitions nad supplies to and from the British isles and other parts of the empire.
In the African campaign, the whole situation has changed, from one of grave uncertainty for the British, to one of the gravest concern for Italy. Spectacular victories have been gained over .the enemy in the field. Indeed, only a few days after the house adjourned, the imperial forces in Egypt launched a strong attack on the Italian troops of Marshal Graziani, who, several weeks previously, had penetrated into western Egypt, and appeared to be preparing an attack on the Suez canal. The British advance, in which land, sea and air forces participated, carried all before it. Three Italian divisions were captured or destroyed on the first day, and British armoured troops pursued the retreating enemy as far as the Libyan border, some fifty miles distant. In the weeks that have followed, Libya itself has been invaded. Stronghold after stronghold has fallen to British arms. The troops of General Wavell, among whom the Australians have had a conspicuous part, have captured Bengazi, the Italian base more than three hundred miles inside the eastern Libyan border. They are continuing to sweep onward in the direction of Tripoli and the boundary of Libya on the west.
In Eritrea, the Italian colony on the other side of Egypt, the fascist forces are also in retreat. In Abyssinia, overrun by the Italians a few years ago, in flagrant disregard of the most solemn assurances under the covenant of the League of Nations, tribesmen are rising against their Italian conquerors. With British assistance they are making every effort to regain their lost freedom. The exiled emperor, Haile Selassie, has returned to his country, and the United Kingdom government, reaffirming that Great Britain has no territorial ambitions in Abyssinia, has recognized his claim to the throne. In Italian Somaliland, the British and South African forces have already occupied an area as large as Wales.
In this fashion the whole Italian empire in Africa is vanishing before the eyes of the world.
Across the Mediterranean, in Albania, the Italians have fared no better. The Greek army, fighting with a valour worthy of the finest traditions of classical times, has since this house adjourned inflicted on the Italians a whole series of defeats. Thus far reinforcements from across the Adriatic have wholly failed to reverse the tide of battle.
In international affairs success in arms is a patent factor. That Britain, half armed and preoccupied with the defence of the British isles, was strong enough and courageous enough to spare men and materials of war for service in Africa; that the British fleet has been able to patrol the narrow waters of the Mediterranean and even in broad daylight to bombard Genoa, the leading Italian seaport; that assisted by the British naval and air force a small Greek army has repeatedly defeated vastly better equipped and more numerous Italian forces; these facts have undoubtedly served greatly to strengthen British prestige. They have helped to maintain the confidence of Turkey, Egypt and the Arab world. They have served to encourage the resistance of France and Spain to the pressure of German demands.
To view these facts in their true perspective, however, we must also recognize what nazi penetration has meant to Roumania and what the dread of a like fate means to-day to Bulgaria and Yugo-Slavia. We should also keep in mind that the victories have been won against the minor and not the major axis partner. Italian power is one thing; the might of nazi Germany is quite another.
The Italian defeats to which I have alluded have a further significance. They have shown in unmistakable fashion that, while the Italian soldier has been led into war, his heart is not in the cause. It would be difficult otherwise to explain the apathy, discontent and indifference which have marked the conduct of operations on the Italian side. Numbers are important and equipment is important, but neither one nor both of them can make up for a lack of fighting spirit. The fascist regime has been discredited in the eyes of its own people. The Italian people are not, and in this war have never been, behind Mussolini. As Mr. Churchill said in his broadcast to the people of Italy on December 23, the Italians have been forced into alliance with the nazi aggressors by one man. against the will of the king and the royal family of Italy, against the Pope and all the authority of the Vatican and of the Roman Catholic church, and against their own

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
wishes. Could anything illustrate more completely the power and the dangers of dictatorship?
I now turn to a development of far greater significance. It is the change which has taken place in the attitude of the United States. It serves by constrast to illustrate the methods of a democracy in safeguarding its interests and asserting its power. The rapid crystallization of opinion in ithe United States in favour of actively assisting the democratic countries in their struggle against aggression has been the most important event of the present year and the months immediately preceding.
The earlier policy of the United States was devised before the war started. It was based upon an assumption which ignored the real charaoter of the present struggle. American ships were withdrawn from British waters and forbidden to enter the war zone; the belligerents were allowed to buy only what they could pay for and themselves carry away. Purchases were limited to such as could be made in the course of normal business. The unanswerable logic of events has brought home to the American people the realization that their future development, their security, the survival of the democratic way of life, are all bound up inseparably with the defence of Britain and the defeat of aggression. The president's message to congress, one of the most important in his great career, set forth in words which cannot be misunderstood, a new policy of full material support of peoples resolute in resisting aggression. It expressed the determination of the United States that the cause of freedom shall prevail.
The president's message is more than a statement of principles. It deals with means as well as with ends. The new policy as laid down by Mr. Roosevelt envisages sending ships, planes, tanks and guns to beleaguered Britain and to other nations resisting aggression. This aid is to be furnished in ever-increasing measure without the exaction of immediate payment and regardless of the threats of dictators. The precise form which assistance will take is now engaging the attention of the competent branches of government in the United States. It is a matter for the United States alone to decide. To the whole democratic world, however, the new policy has brought fresh hope and renewed resolution.
The United States is without question the most powerful economic unit in the world. In terms of national income, a recognized measure of economic strength, it outweighs Germany at least four to one. The United States has an annual output more than twice as great as all Europe. The forces against which the mobilization of this vast, this unrivalled

industrial power is directed, must eventually feel the full weight of the impact. Meanwhile its growing might towers like an impending avalanche above the heads of the aggressor nations.
That the material assistance of the United States on the scale contemplated will in the long run be of decisive importance, there can be no shadow of doubt. We must make sure, however, that there is a long run. A very critical stage is certain to be reached before the full aid of the United States becomes available. As I pointed out in a broadcast a fortnight ago, there are many indications that in the immediate future the enemy will make a tremendous effort to destroy the British commonwealth by a series of smashing blows of unprecedented severity. The skies are full of sure signs of a gathering storm.
Where the storm will break we cannot say. It may come in the near east, or in the western Mediterranean, or in the far east, or over Britain itself. It may come in more than one place at the same time. Signs are not lacking that it may come in all these places at once. Among diplomatic and military authorities there is a growing belief in the possibility of a world-wide conflagration involving an attempted German invasion of Britain timed with thrusts at Suez and Gibraltar and a Japanese thrust at Singapore. The German air force and army may try to break Britain; simultaneously the combined axis powers may try to seize Britain's most strategic positions, Gibraltar, Suez and Singapore.
It would be the gravest of errors to assume that growing alarm and tension in the Balkans mean that Hitler is abandoning for the time being attack upon the British isles. It is British power that Hitler is out to destroy, and the seat of it is the island fortress in the North sea. It is no less apparent that the destruction of British power is the bond that cements the axis powers. Only by the defeat of Britain can the combined totalitarian powers gain their world sway. It is well that this fact should be kept continually in mind and squarely faced. There is, moreover, nothing to be gained by failing to view the strategic world picture in its true proportions. On the contrary there is everything to be gained by seeing it as a whole and in its true light. It is to the emergence of this wider vision that Britain and her allies owe the ever-increasing aid from the United States.
If I venture again to draw attention to the situation as it must present itself in any realistic view, it is not because I wish to

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
lessen the optimism to which the successes thus far achieved have naturally given rise, but rather to see that they do not blind us to the real struggle which has still to be faced, and which I believe is even now at hand. That the forces of freedom will triumph in the end, I have no doubt whatever. But equally I believe, as I have already so frequently said, that the road is going to be much harder, much longer and much more terrible than most people imagine. We should govern our thoughts and actions accordingly.
The enemy must be held back until his strength can be matched. That day will not come soon. Long, grim months lie ahead, in which we must expect set-backs and discouragements. In the present circumstances it is more than ever necessary to steel our hearts and minds to the magnitude of the sffort, and of the sacrifice, that will be demanded of us over a considerable period of time and, in a special measure, throughout the next few months. We are too prone to flunk of the outcome of the last great war and to draw our conclusions from it. It is well, therefore, that we should check up comparisons with the last war at all possible points.
First, then, let us remember that the resources and striking power of the enemy are vastly greater than they were in the first great war. In that war the allied and associated powers were numerous indeed. Of the number, apart from the United States, which during the last year and a half was also a belligerent, France, Russia, Belgium, Portugal, and a dozen other nations which were then allied with us, are to-day neutral or have, for the time being at least, been overrun by enemy forces or compelled to give up the struggle. Italy, which was then an ally, has betrayed her ancient friendship and become the accomplice of the arch enemy. Russia is neutral and has recently concluded a new trade agreement with Germany. Because Russian trade with Germany constitutes a vast breach in the British blockade of German territory, the value of this agreement to Hitler far outweighs any concessions which he may have to make in the Balkans. Within the last few days, following the inclusion of Roumania in the economic system of nazi Germany, diplomatic relations have been severed between Roumania and Britain.
Japan, also an ally in the last war, has entered into a pact with Britain's enemies, undertaking to come to their aid if any country should try to assist her. Recent statements of Japanese political leaders have encouraged an atmosphere of impending crisis. They have likewise marked out a wide field for possible Japanese expansion southward. We shall continue to hope that the wiser counsels of the more moderate leaders in Japan will ultimately prevail. It is, however, only the part of prudence to observe that both in the statements of some of the Japanese leaders and in the movements of Japanese forces there are indications that Japan may be led to undertake aggressive action at the moment that may best serve the common cause of the aggressor nations.
The forces arrayed against us are not only vastly greater than in the last war, they occupy a strategic position far more favourable than they did at that time. Then, by heroic efforts in which our Canadian divisions played an important part, the allied and associated powers were able to hold the line, and save the channel ports. To-day the whole coast from Norway to Spain, from the Arctic ocean to the bay of Biscay, is in enemy hands. The enemy is enabled to send his raiders far out into the Atlantic. Moreover, to help in combating them we no longer have the powerful French navy at our side. Instead, we are hourly reminded that the enemy is seeking an excuse to seize the French fleet and French Mediterranean ports, to be used as weapons and bases against us.
In the air as well as at sea the strategic character of the war has also changed to the enemy's advantage. The development of aviation has vastly reduced the insular security of Britain. Hers is no longer an unmolested workshop. Factories, arsenals and shipyards have their schedules upset and their output reduced by bombardment from the air, and even more by the loss of time arising from the stopping of work during air raids. Moreover, Britain's vulnerability to air attack is relatively greater than the enemy's, due to the concentration of Britain's population and her industry, and to her dependence on overseas supplies of food, materials and munitions.
These basic difficulties in the situation should constantly be kept in mind. The very assurance of moral support, of moral and material help from the United States, is not without its bearing upon the immediate problem. With the long term issue automatically decided against the enemy if he remains inactive, Germany must now stake everything on a supreme effort to destroy the British commonwealth before the resources of the United States are fully mobilized. We may be perfectly sure that this is Hitler's plan of campaign.
No man can tell how fast or how far the red fires of war will spread before the conflagration can be brought under control. The determining factor in the matter of time is likely to be the situation as it develops in the ensuing weeks in Europe itself. Should the



The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
attack at the outset be directed wholly or in part against Britain, we have much to fortify us in our belief in the effectiveness of the resistance which the German forces will encounter. Great new armies have been raised, trained, equipped and made ready for battle. Every beach, every headland, every acre of ground where an enemy might attack has been put in a state of defence. The navy, strengthened by flotillas of destroyers from across the Atlantic, still commands the seas. The Royal Air Force, already drawing upon the output of pilots and aircrews trained in Canada under the commonwealth air training plan, continues its operations, alike of defence and offence, with unshaken resolve and even greater vigour. By day the visits of the German attacker are less frequent; by night, the latest discoveries of science are combining to beat down the indiscriminate marauders of the dark.
It was an appreciation of all these factors which led Mr. Churchill to describe 1941 as a " waiting year." It will be a year of guarding every inch of ground, of gathering together equipment and munitions, of perfecting the training of men, and the organization and coordination of forces. If it is improbable that there will be any major attack upon enemy-occupied Europe during the present year, it is equally imperative that no opportunity for preparation should be neglected.
This leads me to speak of Canada's plans for the present year. Much careful thought has been given by the war committee of the cabinet to the organization of the new phases of Canada's war effort. In working out our plans we had not only the advice of our own military and industrial experts but the benefit of first-hand knowledge gained by the Minister of National Defence (Mr. Ralston) and the Minister of Munitions and Supply (Mr. Howe) during their recent visits to the United Kingdom. A programme for 1941, based on the utilization of Canada's utmost productive capacity, has been drawn up in complete agreement with 'the British government. The measures which have been decided upon are being timed to fit into the programme of the admiralty, the war office, the air ministry and the supply departments of the United Kingdom.
Early this month, in a radio address to the Canadian people on the war savings campaign, I outlined the plans which have been worked out. As an introduction to the discussion of the war appropriation bill I perhaps cannot do better than to place on Hansard a brief outline of these measures. They will be dealt with in detail by my colleagues in the discussion of the bill. Perhaps this is a convenient moment at which to remind hon. members that very full reviews of Canada's war effort

were given by the ministers of the departments concerned, in the debate on the address. These reviews will, of course, not need to be repeated.
To-day the strength of Canada's navy is 175 ships and over 15,000 men of all ranks. Under the new programme the expansion will continue at a rapid rate, bringing the navy by March 31, 1942, up to an estimated strength of 413 ships and 26,920 men. I should add that, in addition to the merchant ships being built in increasing numbers, it is proposed to undertake the building of destroyers in Canadian shipyards.
The plan for the army includes the dispatch overseas, successively, of:
1.	The balance of the corps troops for the Canadian corps of two divisions now in England);
2.	An army tank brigade for employment with the Canadian corps;
3. The third Canadian division, with its complement of corps troops; and
4.	A Canadian armoured division
The air training plan will be developed vigorously and energetically throughout the year. All the projects and schools connected with the plan will be opened and in operation before September next, representing a clear gain of eight months on the original schedule. The aerodrome construction will be equal to that of last year. The present strength of the Royal Canadian Air Force will be doubled. The number of aeroplanes now in use in the air training plan, namely, 1,700 aeroplanes, will be increased to well over 4,000 before the end of this year. In Canada, our air defence will be strengthened by an increase in the number of operational squadrons attached to the home war establishment. Overseas, the three Canadian squadrons, fully equipped, manned and maintained by Canada, will be kept up to strength. There will, in addition, be constituted out of the graduate pupils of the joint air training plan, and identified as Canadian, twenty-five new squadrons. Our aircraft industry will concentrate on building in Canada enough aeroplanes for the air training plan. Our surplus capacity, at the request of the British government, will be used for the manufacture of long-range bombers which can be flown across the Atlantic.
A vast increase in production of war equipment and supplies has been arranged. Since the United States is prepared to manufacture for Britain only such munitions as are in common use for United States defence purposes, Canadian armament production during 1941 will be concentrated on types of war

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
equipment and weapons which are not obtainable in the United States, such as mark-3 tanks, small arms, Bren guns, aircraft machine guns, and anti-tank guns. Canada will also specialize on the production of ammunition for these weapons and on the manufacture of explosives.
The production of a wide range of naval guns and 25-pounder field guns will be enlarged. Canada is the only source of supply, outside Britain, for these guns. Canada will also produce anti-tank guns for infantry use, and heavy anti-aircraft guns for defence purposes. Canada is now the only source of supply, outside Britain, for motor transport vehicles. Hon. members were, I am sure, pleased to learn that practically all of the motor vehicles in use in the African campaign were of Canadian manufacture.
It will be apparent that the needs of the armed forces and our war industry will make large demands upon available Canadian manpower. It is estimated that, for the purposes mentioned, 200,000 additional men and women will be required during the present year. An additional 100,000 will probably be needed in industries such as transport, lumbering, mining, et cetera. It is realized that industrial expansion on this scale will require the services of a large number of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Accordingly, the federal government, in cooperation with the provincial governments, is establishing vocational and plant training schools capable of training 100,000 persons a year.
In considering the magnitude of these measures and of what has already been done by the Canadian people in providing men for the armed forces and in producing weapons and materials of war, we should also remember that Canada has sent and is sending to Britain great quantities of foodstuffs and raw materials of war time industry and trade. We know from our inquiries that Britain is not now faced with any serious shortage of supplies. There are, however, commodities which the United Kingdom government has found it expedient to ration. If shipping space were not so valuable, more could and would be done to make additional provision for British needs from our surplus stocks. In foodstuffs, however, as in the provision of military aid, it is necessary to be guided by the wishes of the British government. It alone has the full knowledge enabling it to balance the need for foodstuffs and consumption goods generally against the need for arms and war materials, and to determine in what direction our aid can be most timely and most effective.
In none of its important aspects has Canada's war effort been planned in isolation. We engaged in the war as partners in a joint
14873-52*
enterprise. If our effort is to fit into the efforts of the other British nations to produce a strong unified whole, our plans must be made in consultation with them. This does not mean that the Canadian government is not finally responsible for what is done by Canada, but it does mean that, before reaching our final decision, we discuss our plans with those with whom we are cooperating. Plans must, as I have so often said, be modified constantly to meet the shifting needs of war. This implies constant consultation in every field, military, economic and financial.
From time to time it has been suggested in Canada, in other of the dominions and also in Great Britain, that an imperial war cabinet or an imperial war council should be set up in London to give unified direction to the prosecution of the war by the nations of the British commonwealth. Those who advocate such a development are naturally thinking of what happened in the last war when such a body was found to be a useful and, indeed, a necessary instrument.
The imposing title undoubtedly has for many a certain appeal. An imperial war council composed of the prime ministers of the dominions and the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and presided over by the Prime Minister of Great Britain would in fact be an imposing body. It suggests, too, opportunities for direct and intimate conference in the shaping of a common policy for the prosecution of the war in which the whole commonwealth has so vital a concern. It may be premature to speak of such a proposal inasmuch as the British House of Commons was informed as recently as December last that "the Prime Minister does not contemplate adding representatives of the dominions to the war cabinet at the present time." The matter, however, is one which from time to time has received careful consideration. It was discussed at the beginning of the war when Mr. Chamberlain was in office, and has been considered on several occasions since. A moment may come when it will be both desirable and necessary for a conference of the kind to be held in London, or in some other part of the British empire. At present it must be obvious that with the war presenting new and most serious problems to each and every part, in no place can the presence of a prime minister be more necessary or helpful to all concerned than in his own country. The proposal can best be judged by one simple test. Is it the most effective means of achieving the desired end? All other considerations must be put aside. Perhaps the best way of approaching the subject is to ask ourselves how the end is

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
now achieved. It is true that there is nothing imposing about the means which are employed. It may, nevertheless, be said that at this very time such a council exists in reality, although it has no visible form.
The matters of high policy, which in the imperial war council of the last war were considered around the council table by the heads of the several governments of the British empire, are to-day discussed between them by direct communication. The means and agencies of communication, in the intervening years, have alike been materially improved. The cable has been supplemented by the wireless and the transatlantic telephone. Each dominion has to-day its department of external affaire efficiently organized and in a position instantly to supplement the information essential as a background to the discussion of any problem. Not only is each government represented in London by its own special agent-a high commissioner-but the British government is also represented by a high commissioner in each of the dominions.
There are thus, so to speak, three sending and three receiving sources, through each of which special classes of communications are sent and received: (a) from prime minister to prime minister direct-those which relate to matters of high policy; (b) through the secretary of state for dominion affairs to the secretary of state for external affairs, and vice versa

matters more general in character and relating more particularly to information in detail on operations, and the progress of the war; (c) and finally, special communications supplementing those from the sources mentioned from the high commissioner to the prime minister, or to the secretary of state for external affairs and vice versa.
I might mention that in each of the dominions there are similar means and methods of consultation and communication. We are fortunate in having in our capital at this time distinguished representatives from all of the other dominions with the exception thus far, I -think, of New Zealand. We have with us in the capital, as hon. members know, Mr. de Waal Meyer, as the representative of South Africa; Mr. Hearne, as the High Commissioner for Ireland, and Sir William Glasgow as High Commissioner for Australia. In these countries we are also represented by our high commissioners-in South Africa by Mr. Laureys, in Ireland by Mr. Hall Kelly, in Australia by Mr. Burchell, and in New Zealand by Doctor Riddell. There is not a day passes that communications in considerable number do not pass back and forth between Great Britain and Canada, many of which are identical with soine of those sent to the
]Mr. Mackenzie King.]
other dominions. Communications sent by us to London which are likely to be of interest to the other dominions are also sent to the dominions. At the present time there are means of effective communication and consultation in all matters pertaining to the war, much more comprehensive than anything which existed during the last war. I doubt, indeed, if a more efficient arrangement could possibly be made.
The real but invisible imperial council made possible by these means of constant and instantaneous conference has one all-important advantage which would be denied to an imperial war council sitting in London. It affords the prime minister of each of the dominions the opportunity of discussing immediately with his colleagues in his own cabinet all aspects of every question raised. His expression of view, when given, is not his alone-it is the expression of view of the cabinet of which he is the head. It is an expression of view given by the cabinet in the light of its responsibility to parliament. It is, moreover, an expression of view given in the atmosphere, not of London, but of the dominion itself.
In war time, most decisions have to be made quickly. On that score alone, let mte compare -the -two methods. If the prime ministers of the dominions were meeting in an imperial war cabinet in London, they would have either to act on their own exclusive responsibility without regard to their colleagues, or, alternatively, to hold up proceedings while they communicated with their governments at home. On the other hand, the existing -arrangements permit the prime minister to consult his colleagues at once when any matter is communicated to him from another commonwealth government which requires an immediate decision. A decision can be reached at once with -the secure knowledge that it represents authoritatively and finally the government as a whole.
Direct consultations have been and may continue to be necessary from time to time. They, however, are likely to be most required concerning aspects of the common war effort w-hich necessitate detailed inquiry. Five members of the present government have already visited the United Kingdom since the outbreak of the war. Their visits have been of the greatest assistance to the government in coordinating our war effort with -the war effort of the United Kingdom. I believe that these visits, supplementing as they do the regular channels of communication I have described, serve the common cause more effectively than arrangements which would be more formal and imposing.
81?

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
There is an even more important consideration. Situations, as I have already said, are constantly arising which affect different parts of the British commonwealth in different ways. To meet these situations, the presence of the prime minister in immediate contact with his colleagues in his own country is of the highest importance. Such a situation was that occasioned for Canada by the sudden collapse of France. Such a situation is that which at the moment is presenting itself in the orient.
I think I have only to ask hon. members of this House of Commons if they were, at the moment, called upon to decide whether it would be better to have the Prime Minister of Canada attending at the present time a council in London or to have him here in this House of Commons in immediate association with his colleagues and in a position to confer with them, not only from day to day, and hour to hour, but from moment to moment; whether they would not consider, in a situation such as exists at this time, that it is better for him to be here at the head of the government, and at the head of the country which has elected him to office. I believe this would equally be the view of the government and the people of the United Kingdom.
The possibility of immediate personal contact between the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States, in critical situations affecting the relations between the United States and the British commonwealth, may easily be more important to the common cause than any service which a prime minister of Canada could render at the council table in London.
The united national support of each dominion for its war effort will continue throughout the war to be more important than all else. Under constantly changing conditions, that unity will, I believe, be better maintained by the presence of the prime minister at the head of the administration at home than at the council table in London. What I have said about the Prime Minister of Canada applies, I believe, equally to the prime ministers of the other self-governing dominions. I am looking at the situation as we all know it to be at the present moment. I ask hon. members to consider whether the people of South Africa or the people of the United Kingdom would wish to have General Smuts in London at the present time, or would prefer to have him where he is in South Africa. I must ask a similar question with respect to the prime ministers of the other dominions.
It has also been suggested that the Canadian cabinet should be enlarged to include a minister for overseas affairs who would reside
in London and have immediate charge of all Canadian war activities in the United Kingdom and elsewhere overseas. This suggestion is based on the practice in the last war when, for special reasons then-existing, such a minister was found necessary by the government of the day. There are several reasons why the present government, has felt that no such appointment is now desirable. In the first place, the office of the high commissioner in London is well organized and w'ell staffed. The high commissioner himself has bad a long experience in dealing with the various departments of the British government. A new appointee, without Mr. Massey's experience, could not possibly discharge these functions so well. Moreover, in view of the wholly satisfactory, indeed, the splendid services Mr. Massey has been rendering in his present position, the appointment of an overseas minister could scarcely be regarded as other than a reflection upon the high commissioner. Mr. Massey himself is a member of the Canadian privy council. His membership in the cabinet could add little to his authority.
It may even be questioned whether membership in the cabinet would not be embarrassing to the Canadian government, representative in London, as well as to the government itself. If he were in the cabinet, his slightest word would probably be regarded as the opinion of Canada. It would be difficult and awkward for him either to refer questions to his colleagues in Ottawa, or not to refer them. If he made a practice of consulting his colleagues, he would seem to have little authority himself; if he failed to consult them, the result would be divided responsibility and uncertainty of jurisdiction, which could hardly fail to have unfortunate results.
It is the opinion of the government that Canadian interests in London and cooperation with the United Kingdom are better served by the system of consultation I have already described and by the present arrangement of having a high commissioner permanently resident there, and by the occasional visits of ministers from the cabinet at Ottawa who do not remain long enough to lose contact with Canadian conditions and the circumstances with which the government is contending at home. I might add that not the least significant of the achievements in Canada's war effort thus far has been the close cooperation and whole-hearted good-will which has characterized the relations between Canadian civil and military authorities in London and between the Canadian and British authorities there, as well as between the Canadian and British governments.

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
I should like, at this point, to say a word respecting the splendid work which Mr. Massey and his staff are performing. Their devotion, in difficult and often dangerous circumstances, is beyond praise. Mr. Massey himself has discharged his manifold and exacting duties with quite exceptional skill, discretion, and patience. He is a representative of whom all Canadians have every reason to be proud.
It has been the settled policy of the government not to extend diplomatic representation to countries in Europe during the continuation of hostilities. We are, however, continuing to maintain our diplomatic representation to the governments of Belgium and Holland, which, forced to flee from their own capitals, have been set up in London. These countries, neutral during the first eight months of the war, are now allies, and though their home countries have been overrun and at present lie subjected to the German invaders, they continue to control rich colonial empires and large mercantile fleets of great value to the allied cause. Mr. Jean Desy, Canadian minister to Belgium and Holland, has returned to Canada, but we are maintaining a charge d'affaires in London to keep in touch with these governments and to deal with the questions which arise from time to time involving our collaboration with them as allies against a common enemy.
Diplomatic relations with France are on a slightly different footing. Colonel George P. Vanier, our minister at Paris, has returned to Canada, and has been asked, in view of his military training and experience, to serve on the Canadian section of the permanent joint board on defence. Mr. Pierre Dupuy, formerly on the staff of the Paris legation, is, however, remaining in London, where, among other duties, he is continuing to have regard for the needs and the repatriation of Canadian nationals who were unable to make an escape at the time of the invasion.
Few if any events have affected Canadians more profoundly than the tragic fate that has befallen France. We have not permitted her misfortunes to lessen our efforts on her behalf. Convinced that we are fighting her battle as well as our own, we are continuing our diplomatic relations with her, in the firm belief that whatever the pressure put upon her by an unscrupulous enemy, France will suffer herself to be destroyed before she will take up arms against Britain, or permit her fleet or naval bases on the Mediterranean to fall into German hands.
The diplomatic position with respect to France is, of course, more delicate than with regard to the other two countries I have mentioned, because of the fact that the French government, overwhelmed by the German

onslaught, has entered into an armistice with the enemy. We in Canada, however, have no wish to add to the heavy burdens and difficulties which she is facing under the heel of a ruthless and arrogant conqueror, and so long as France takes no action that is contrary to the interest of Canada or her allies, there are the strongest of reasons why we should continue our present relations. We are well aware of the pressure which the enemy is exerting to secure her collaboration in the organization of Europe under German hegemony and control. We will, however, do nothing to stir up bitterness or recrimination over what is past, but will ever seek to encourage the French people to remain true to their great tradition, and to find once again their historic position in Europe and their high place in the comity of nations.
The situation in the far east, of which I spoke quite frankly in this house on November 12, has unfortunately continued to give cause for growing apprehension-an apprehension which is not lessened by the recent Japanese intervention as a mediator in the dispute between French Indo-China and Thailand, the new name for the old kingdom of Siam. As I have already said, the utterances of some Japanese statesmen have been far from conciliatory.
The decision of the Japanese government to ally itself with Germany and Italy, under certain conditions, has undoubtedly greatly increased tension in the whole Pacific area. We have done what we could do to lessen that tension and to avoid any occasion for its further development. We have been glad to welcome to Ottawa the new Minister from Japan, Mr. Seijiro Yoshizawa, who has come to take the post ably filled during the past two years by Baron Tomii. In a period when national passions are aroused, a period which is marked by so much suspicion of motives and of aims, when it is so easy to engender misunderstanding and ill will, we have tried to avoid any occasion for provocation or offence, we have sought to avoid propagandist activity, we have followed developments with forbearance and restraint, and have done our utmost to conserve a maximum of good will in a strife-torn world.
Partly, perhaps, as a result of growing tension in the far east, we recently witnessed an unfortunate recrudescence of anti-oriental and particularly anti-Japanese feeling in British Columbia. This campaign was characterized by wholly unsubstantiated and irresponsible charges and accusations against our fellow nationals and other residents of British Columbia who are of Japanese racial origin. As a result, public opinion was becoming aroused and unjustified fears were being entertained.

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
In order to obtain a complete and accurate picture of the actual situation on the Pacific coast, the government appointed a special committee composed of persons with a particular knowledge of British Columbia and of the Japanese. This commitee made a careful investigation and has presented a report and recommendations which have now been tabled in parliament. The government has approved the report and is carrying its recommendations into effect.
I shall close this necessarily very brief review of our relations with countries with which Canada has exchanged diplomatic representatives with a word or two concerning our relations with the United States. In a world in which the old methods of free and open discussion, and the old objectives of close and friendly collaboration between nations, have been so greatly curtailed, and over so large an area have disappeared altogether, it is a matter of special satisfaction that, in spite of the stresses and strains of war, our relations [DOT] with our great neighbour, the United States, have, if anything, grown more cordial, friendly, helpful, and constructive. It is particularly gratifying also to see that there exists not only between our two governments but between our two nations, so perfect an understanding.
I have already referred to the rapidly growing realization by the American people that the fate of our democratic way of life is intimately bound up with the great cause in which we are actively engaged, and to the measures they are taking to make an effective contribution to our success in that struggle.
I should like to add a word or two respecting an undertaking nearer home, one of the most important of our joint activities-the, permanent joint board on defence. Since its formation in August a considerable number of surveys have been made on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada and the United States, in which military, naval and air experts of both countries have taken part. Detailed reports have been prepared for the consideration of the two governments and appropriate action based thereon is being taken. These activities, touching on the joint defence of our coasts from possible overseas attack will continue to engage the closest attention of both governments and their expert advisers. I am heartily glad to record our deep satisfaction with the progress that has been made, and that intimate cooperation has been established in so vital a field.
Our own relations with the United States form but a part, a segment, of the great circle of friendships which now draw together the peoples of the English-speaking world. These friendships make especially intimate the relations at Washington between the representatives of the various parts of the commonwealth, and with the government of the United States to which they are all accredited. The sudden death of Lord Lothian, the warmhearted and clear-seeing representative of His Majesty's government in the United Kingdom, at the zenith of his career as a great ambassador and interpreter of his country to the United States, has been most keenly felt. This is true not only in government and diplomatic circles in Washington, where his great abilities were recognized and appreciated, but also here in Canada, where he had so many warm friends and admirers. The strain imposed on the head of a diplomatic mission in Washington in the midst of a great war in which the moral and material support of the United States may be a factor of decisive importance, is exceptionally great. It was undoubtedly a contributing factor in Lord Lothian's death at the early age of fifty-eight.
I regret to have to inform the house of the present indisposition of our own minister to Washington, Mr. Loring C. Christie, who was a close personal friend of Lord Lothian for nearly a quarter of a century. Mr. Christie was appointed to the post of Canadian minister to the United States shortly after the outbreak of war, and within a month or two of the arrival of Lord Lothian as British ambassador. Like him, Mr. Christie had had long experience in responsible administrative posts and possessed a wide and intimate knowledge of the United States, where he was already on terms of personal friendship with leading figures in the United States government.
May I say that I have been amazed, and I might add, in the circumstances, not a little pained to observe recently slighting and belittling references to Mr. Christie. Men who spend their lives in the public service, even in the most responsible posts, are rarely well known to the general public. By the very nature of their work, they do not come in contact with the public, and uninformed persons know little of the contribution they are making to the solution of difficult questions, or the administration of public affairs. After a distinguished academic career at Acadia university in Nova Scotia and later at Harvard university in the United States, Mr. Christie was appointed by Sir Robert Borden, at the age of twenty-eight, to the post of legal adviser to the Department of External Affairs and took part, with his chief, in the work of the imperial war conferences of 1917 and 1918 in London, and the peace conference

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
at Paris in 1919. He attended the international labour conference at Washington in the same year, and was on the Canadian delegation to the first assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva in 1920. He was technical adviser to the Canadian delegation at the imperial conference in London in 1921 and to the delegation to the conference on limitation of arms which met in 1921-22 at Washington. During the latter part of this conference, indeed, he acted as secretary-general of the British empire delegation, and carried out his work in a manner that earned him the high praise of Mr. Balfour who headed the British delegation.
In 1923, Mr. Christie severed for a time his connection with the Department of External Affairs. He returned, however, in 1935. During the ensuing four years which preceded the outbreak of war, he attended a number of international conferences, either as technical adviser or as government representative. He also was immediately concerned with the more difficult problems coming before the Department of External Affairs. His intimate knowledge of constitutional and international law and of international affairs and his sound judgment were of the greatest possible assistance during those troubled years. When the war finally broke over the world and a vacancy occurred in the post of Canadian minister to Washington, I decided that, of all the Canadians available, Mr. Christie was by his training, experience and character, outstandingly qualified to represent the Canadian government in Washington.
The special conditions arising out of the war made many and heavier demands on the Canadian legation than ever before. Mr. Christie's intimate knowledge of government and administrative processes at Washington and of the questions arising between Canada and the United States proved of immense value, enabling him to perform services of the greatest usefulness to Canada.
Since his illness, which has been brought on to a considerable extent at least by the heavy pressure of his official duties, and the whole-hearted way in which he has thrown himself into them, Mr. Merchant Mahoney, counsellor of the legation, who has been on the legation staff since its establishment and who is probably more familiar with the departments of the government at Washington and the work they are carrying on than any other diplomat in that capital, has done outstanding service, and with the assistance of an efficient and hard-working staff has carried on the heavy work devolving on the Canadian legation. I can assure the house that Canada's interests at Washington have not

been allowed to suffer in consequence of Mr. Christie's illness. It is apparent, however, that Mr. Christie's condition of health will necessitate immediate provision for additional or other representation at Washington. The matter has been under review and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement with respect thereto in the course of a few days.
The appointment of Lord Halifax as British ambassador to Washington marked a further stage in the development of relations between the United States and the British commonwealth. The increased importance of British representation at Washington was further emphasized by the appointment of Sir Gerald Campbell as British minister to the United States, where he will serve as Lord Halifax's principal collaborator. I cannot express too warmly the appreciation felt by my colleagues and myself of the exceedingly helpful as well as very pleasant relations which existed between Sir Gerald and ourselves throughout the whole of the time he held the office of High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Canada. I am sure hon. members will wish me to express our regret that Sir Gerald Campbell has left Ottawa, and at the same time to voice our congratulations on his new honour.
We are fortunate, indeed, that Sir Gerald Campbell is to be succeeded by a high commissioner who comes to us not as a stranger but as a friend. The government was particularly gratified to learn of the appointment of the Right Hon. Malcolm MacDonald. An especially warm welcome awaits Mr. MacDonald as the new tenant of Earnscliffe.
For the past decade or two, the countries of South America have been making especially rapid strides not only in the development of their rich and varied natural resources, and in trade with other countries, but in all the activities which go to the development of national life and international relations. Since the outbreak of war, and the consequent cutting off of commercial and cultural relations with Europe, their economic and political importance has greatly increased.
As hon. members are aware, we have been represented at various commercial centres in Latin America by the Canadian trade commissioner service, which, under the direction of the Minister of Trade and Commerce (Mr. MacKinnon), has done splendid work in the promotion of markets for a wide variety of Canadian products and in making known trade opportunities to Canadian firms engaged in the export field. Trade commissioners deal with the business world but they do not have access to governments. In recent years, the question of market opportunities has been complicated by import restrictions, quotas,

The War-Mr. Mackenzie King
exchange controls, barter and clearing agreements, and other governmental restrictions on trade. In order to secure needed adjustments and modifications where our interests are concerned, it is desirable to be able to enter into discussions with the governments themselves. The war, shutting off European markets and European sources of supply, will greatly stimulate intra-American trade and may well raise problems which will require the careful attention of governments. Moreover, the war has given a new importance, not merely to trade questions, but to the development of mutual understanding and friendly relations on the broadest basis.
As I intimated earlier in the present session, on November 14, 1940, the government has decided 'to exchange diplomatic representatives with the two largest and most important of the South American republics. For some years both Brazil and Argentina have expressed a desire to enter into diplomatic relations with Canada. They have recently named ministers to Ottawa. We shall be glad to welcome them to Canada, not only in their personal and representative capacities but as a further evidence of the growing importance of these countries and of the close and cordial relations which happily exist between Canada and South America.
Provision is being made in the estimates for the establishment of Canadian legations in the Argentine and Brazil. When the necessary appropriations have been made, I hope to be in a position to announce the names of the Canadian representatives to -both of these countries.
I should perhaps add that approaches -have been made by other Latin American republics looking to an exchange of ministers with Canada. Their position, however, is somewhat different. While I should not wish it to be understood that further extension of our representation is contemplated at the moment, I should wish it to be known that the government will continue to give the most friendly consideration to the general question.
For the League of Nations the past year has been one of exceptional difficulty. This has been the case, not only because of the cynical disregard of the league's principles and the overrunning of several of its members by the aggressor states, but also because of the withdrawal of certain neutral countries and the difficulty of communicating with the seat of the league in Geneva. While the political activities of the league have had to be greatly curtailed, or abandoned, it is of first importance that the economic, financial and humanitarian work which the league has been so successfully carrying on should be continued
and the machinery for that work be maintained. The Canadian government has therefore supported the decision of the acting secretary-general to transfer part of that work to the United States where the facilities of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton have been placed at the disposal of sections of the secretariat dealing with the economic, financial and transit questions.
We have also been glad to welcome to Canada members of the international labour office, who, under the direction of the Hon. John G. Winant, recently named United States ambassador to Great Britain, have been provided with working quarters for the duration of the war by McGill University, Montreal. The work of this great organization is important not only in helping to solve problems arising from or made acute by the war, but also the problems which, if experience is any guide, the after-war period may be expected to bring with it. We are therefore glad of every opportunity to assist in making it possible to carry on in Canada the services and studies which, because of the dislocations of the war, can no longer be effectively carried on from Geneva.
It would not be fitting that I should conclude this review of Canada's external affairs and of our present international relations without reference to the loss Canada has sustained since the house last met, in the passing of one of the noblest of her sons and one of the greatest of her public servants, whose life was so completely identified with world affairs.
Seventeen years ago, Doctor 0. D. Skelton entered the service of Canada at my request. For sixteen years he was Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs. Before he came to Ottawa his teaching had inspired thousands of young Canadians. Throughout his whole life he enriched our national heritage by his scholarship, our national service by his labours, and innumerable lives by the gift of his friendship.
The outbreak of war and the anxieties of the years which immediately preceded it threw new and heavy burdens on the Department of External Affairs. In spite of failing health, the advice of his doctor and the entreaties of his friends, Doctor Skelton insisted on shouldering far more than his full share of them. I have never seen anything which surpassed his devotion to duty as exemplified in his daily work. His death was marked by expressions of sorrow, admiration and affection almost unprecedented. Many notable messages bore witness to his great work, not only for Canada and the British commonwealth but for the cause of international good will and human understanding the world overL
The War-Mr. Hanson

Only those who have had the closest association with Doctor Skelton during those seventeen years could begin to know what his life meant to the public service of this country. Selfless and self-effacing labour, the highest integrity, and the enlightened use of whatever leisure was granted to him were the measure of his devotion to his native land. Throughout the many tributes that were paid to his work and his memory there ran the theme of his modesty, his kindliness and the example he set and created for the young men who grew up with him in the diplomatic service of the department of which he was the permanent head. It is impossible for me to express in words what I owe to his wisdom, his experience, his counsel and his faithful friendship.
It is a matter of common knowledge that Mr. Bennett, who knew and appreciated the eminent virtues of this great public servant, offered him a knighthood, which Doctor Skelton felt obliged to decline. I wished to submit his name to the representative of the king for a privy councillorship, not as an honour or reward but as a sworn relationship which I deemed appropriate to the performance of his highly confidential duties. This position he was unwilling to accept. He believed that men in the public service could best carry on their work by remaining in the background of anonymity and retiring from the light of public favour. He refused to accept any honour or position which would appear to remove him from the level of his fellow workers or create any barrier or embarrassment between him and them. He hated notoriety, controversy, publicity and everything that was blatant or garish. He knew that the great things in life are wrought in the stillness and solitude of the mind of man, and that reflection and silence become a trusted servant of the people far more than speech and the glitter of the limelight.
By his own modest acceptance of these high traditions of the public service, which he did so much to create, he fashioned the pattern of the Department of External Affairs. Like Doctor Skelton I have always believed, and I believe this house will agree, that the quiet persistent dedication of Canada to the cause of international understanding best fulfils our mission, and perhaps destiny, in a stricken world.
The result of Doctor Skelton's example and influence is that to-day in the Department of External Affairs, in London, in Washington, and elsewhere throughout the world this nation is served by men who, thinking nothing of public acclaim, of personal distinction, or of public reward, have laboured without ostenfMr. Mackenzie King.]
tation, steadily and silently, for the great cause which has been entrusted to their hands.
The name of Doctor Skelton deserves honour on the lips and in the hearts of all Canadians. While he asked for no reward while he lived, he would be humbly proud to know that in the remembrance of his life and labour Canadians found a new dedication and a continuing devotion to national unity, international good will, and the thoughtful and unselfish labour without which they cannot be maintained.


Richard Burpee Hanson: Mr. Speaker, may I at the
very outset associate myself with the remarks which my right hon. friend has made with reference to the late under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Doctor Skelton. It was my privilege and pleasure to know Doctor Skelton intermittently over a period of twenty years. Of course I had not anything like the contact that my right hon. friend, or even other members of the present administration, would have had with Doctor Skelton in his lifetime in the course of his duties. But I had sufficient contact with him to know that he was a great scholar and, may I say, a great gentleman. I think I can pay no greater tribute to his memory than to say that he was probably one of the best public servants that Canada has ever produced.
With the early part of my right hon. friend's remarks as to the seriousness of the present situation we on this side of the house are in agreement. Anyone who has observed events as they have occurred during the last few days; anyone who has been observing with anxiety, -as I know we all have, the trend of events in the various theatres of war, particularly the continent of Europe, the Mediterranean area and the far east, must be impressed with the thought that within a very, very limited period of time an effort will be made by the axis powers to crush our mother country. In the defeat of that effort Canada will, I am sure, do her part.
To-night I do not wish to say more with respect to the statement of my right hon. friend. With many of the things he has said no doubt we are all in agreement. I am rather intrigued, however, by the number of shadow men, straw men, that he has put up to be knocked down, and I am just wondering what is the implication behind a large portion of his remarks in that regard. Therefore, sir, I move the adjournment of this debate.
Motion agreed to and debate adjourned.
On motion of Mr. Mackenzie King the house adjourned at 5.58 p.m.

Dominion-Provincial Conference
Tuesday, February 18, 1941.