IMPERIAL WAR CABINET

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23415, 23 August 1941, Page 9

IMPERIAL WAR CABINET

MR MACKENZIE KING’S

VIEWS

“PRESENT SYSTEM MORE EFFECTIVE ”

(Received August 22, 7 p.m.)

(U.P.A.) LONDON, August 21. Mr W. L. Mackenzie King, who reached London at 7.30 a.m. to-day. was immediately caught up in a whirl of activity. After breakfast with the Prime Minister of New, Zealand (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) he saw air raid damage at Westminster. He then attended a meeting of the War Cabinet for the first time and had lunch with Mr Churchill. In an interview, Mr Mackenzie King said:

“We have no shadow of doubt about the outcome of the war. The great, brave people of Britain will win. Canada is at Britain’s side to the utmost of her strength and human and material resources.”

Referring to suggestions for an Imperial War Cabinet. Mr Mackenzie King said that the British Commonwealth now had the most perfect communication 'system between Cabinets that any group of nations could have. The present system was infinitely more effective for reaching good decisions than any other could possibly be. If he stayed in London it would only add to the delay in consulting Canada, as he would always have to consult his own Cabinet. “I cannot conceive a more effective means of communication than exists between members of the Empire. I receive direct communications from Mr Churchill, and I communicate directly with him. Communications come almost every hour from the Dominions Office, giving a complete picture of events throughout the world. Moreover, the British High Commissioner (Mr Malcolm Mac Donald) can personally contact me and other members of the Cabinet. We are thus fully informed every day on all matters of common concern.” There .had never been a time when relations between the United Kingdom and Canadian Governments had been closer. Not one single point of difference had arisen since the war began. The reason was that the Canadian Government had always been consulted and had given a collective opinion before a step was taken by the United Kingdom Government. This was better than any one man making decisions.

Asked about the question of conscription in Canada, Mr Mackenzie King said that the view of his Cabinet was that there was no difficulty in getting enough men for all the essential national services under the present voluntary system. An "Evening News” gossip writer understands that the question of direct Dominion representation in the War Cabinet was discussed with Mr Fraser, and it will certainly. be discusse.d with Mr Mackenzie King. It will 6e raised again in the House of Commons after the recess, when a positive statement and action can be expected. The “Evening News” in a leading article states: “Dominion representation must be solved. Are we to rest content with brief scattered visits by busy men, or is not there some way by which the Dominions can appoint plenipotentiaries in Britain, men with higher authority than a High Commissioner, men who are free constantly to consult the War Cabinet? The greatest obstacle to the creation of an Imperial War Cabinet is Mr Churchill’s wish to maintain a small Cabinet capable of making decisions quickly. If Mr Churchill agrees to admit Mr Menzies, or whoever represents Australia, to the War Cabinet, the other Dominions will expect status for their representatives, and immediately a Cabinet of eight men will be swelled to one of 12— excluding the problem of India’s representation.”

INFORMATION FOR THE ARMY

NEWS OF CURRENT AFFAIRS

BRITISH ESTABLISH BUREAU

(8.0. W.) RUGBY, August 20. The Army Council has announced the inauguration of an Army Bureau of Current Affairs—a new and popular educator for the troops. The new bureau will develop, within the Army systematic methods of informing all ranks of events, policy, and personalities of the world at war, and will also supply every officer with weekly bulletins on the basis of which he can inform and instruct his men about current affairs and the progress of the war.

In addition to weekly* bulletins, the service of the bureau will include the provision of information films, the circulation of interesting photographs, a radio digest for troops abroad, travelling exhibitions, and a panel of special speakers. Indian troops will come under the bureau, and Australian and Canadian officers are considering adopting the scheme, of which they have already expressed approval.

A booklet, "Current Affairs in the Army,” outlining the new plan, is being circulated by the War Office to all officers. In a foreword, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff (General Sir John Dill), commending the bureau and its work to all Army commanders, states: “Interest in current affairs, including events of the war, induces confidence. Confidence is one of the ingredients of unshakable morale. The success of this project depends upon the ability and enthusiasm of the commanders of every rank. I wish them to do their utmost to ensure its success.”

SLEEPING SICKNESS IN U.S.

NUMBER OF CASES CAUSES

CONCERN

WASHINGTON, August 21. The United States Health Service has reported that infantile paralysis and sleeping sickness (encephalitis) are increasing. Last week there were more than 500 new cases each of paralysis and encephalitis. There have been 2823 cases of paralysis this year, which is not alarming. It is normally heavy at this season, but encephalitis is causing concern. It is at present concentrated in the north-west. Reports from Ottawa indicate that infantile paralysis and encephalitis are spreading to Manitoba.

Food For Britain.—The British Minister for Food (Lord Woolton) has discussed food supplies to Britain with Mr Paul Appleby, under-secretary to the United States Department of Agriculture, and Mr Rudolf Evans, of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.—Rugby, August 21.

Frenchmen Join de Gaulle.—The French Charge d’Affaires at San Jose (Costa Rica) and the secretary of the French Legation have resigned, in order to act for Free France and General de Gaulle. —San Jose, August 21.

Union Jack Sent to U.S.—A Union Jack flag, which was proudly flown above Waterloo station through the heaviest raids in the last 12 months, has in its tattered and damaged condition been , sent to New York, where it is now displayed in the windows of British offices.—Rugby, August 2L