SECRET SESSION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 43, 30 November 1944, Page 5

SECRET SESSION.

THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE, THREAT OF ARMED VIOLENCE. OTTAWA, NGv. 28. The Canadian House of Commons held a three-hour secret session today on the question of overseas reinforcements. The session is continuing this evening. Members are agreed that the tense situation in Parliament is still unabated.

The-Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King), before the secret session, addressed a caucus of Quebec Liberals. The Minister of War Services (Mr L. R. Lafleche) described the meeting as cordial. He added that there would be no further defections from the party. However, the Ottawa correspondent of the “New York Times” says that most of the Quebec members cannot support the Government on the conscription issue. The best Mr Mackenzie King can expect is 15 out of 57 votes. This will be sufficient to enable the Prime Minister to secure a majority of votes over all the other parties. • Furthermore, he may rally additional strength as‘the result of his strong appeal yesterday and the findings of the secret session. His position is strengthened by the fact that nobody in Parliament at present is willing of forming a Government with either a conscription or anti-conscrip-tion programme.

The “Canadian Press” says: “Inquiries. among Home Defence troops have disclosed that the leaders of demonstrations were using threats and intimidations to keep less fervent, soldiers in line. One man said he was participating in a demonstration, hut was not sure of the root of the trouble. He added: “The men of one home-drafted regiment due to leave Terrace to-day were told by other home defence men that if they prepare to leave they will he shot at. They mean it. They have plenty of ammunition. I think there will be serious trouble here.’

“An officer attempted to address a meeting attended by home defence troops.’ The men refused to listen, ■Broke up into small groups, and returned to their various' camps. Some were carrying rifles and others Bren guns.” The Vancouver correspondent of the “Canadian Press” says disturbances again occurred at Terrace as military inquiries started at all six British Columbian camps. One infantry regiment, drafted for overseas and due to leave Terrace, remained in camp late to-day under threat of armed violence by striking home defence troops.