CANADIAN PREMIER

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1933, Page 7

CANADIAN PREMIER

ANTI COMMUNIST POLICY. (Aus. X N.Z. Cable Assn.» OTTAWA. February 21. A deputation of fourteen members of the Canadian Labour Defence League, headed bv A. E. Smith, of Toronto, a former clergyman, and Mrs Buck waited on the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Bennett to-day. The deputation asked for an am nesty for Communist prisoners at Portsmouth Prison and sixty-fulir others, held for ‘‘workers’ activities.’’ In blunt emphatic manner the Prime Ministe", Air Bennett, made statements to the deputation as follows:—“The Canadian Labour Defence Lea gue have been carrying on the work of the Communistic League under this new name, since the conviction of eight Toronto Communists a year ago. Tim Buck and his Communist assoeia tion.s in Portsmouth Penitentiary, now further charged with inciting the Portsmouth prison Hots lust fall, will not be released, but wi'l face trial on the now charges.” Speaking to Smith directly, Mr Ben nett added: ‘‘You have been the leading head of this new league. In my opinion, there is no doubt but that a jury of this country would so find you guilty.” Answering the delegation, Mr Ben nett asked: “Has anyone ever heard of any freer speech being permitted than has been uttered in this room by your delegation? In what other country would such speech be permitted? Those of you from foreign lands should appreciate this!” Remarks about terrorism and capita’ism were heard repeatedly from the de’egation in regard to the present economic system.