CANADA’S WAR STATUS

Grey River Argus, 6 September 1939, Page 8

CANADA’S WAR STATUS

Not Yet Decided PRECAUTION AGAINST AIR RAIDS. (Received September 5, 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, September 4. There has been no official pronouncement as yet on Canada’s technical status in the war, but it is believed that any aggressive action, like that of capturing or attacking a German ship, can only be taken after there has been a formal declaration of war. It is assumed that, until this is announced, Canada’s only war effort will be a defensive one. The Government’s declared policy is that the Canadian Parliament shall decide whether there shall be peace or war. The Government will seek authority to give the most effective co-operation to Britain immediately that Parliament meets. The Conservative Party, which is the Opposition, meets to-morrow in caucus to discuss the extent of Canada’s participation. It is expected that the Party wifi fully support the Government in a policy of vigorous co-operation with Britain. The Trades Union Secretary, Mr. Robert Talion, has again pledged the Trades and Labour Congress to resist to the fullest extent any further encroachments on the democracies. | It is officially stated that those provinces which are most likely to be endangered by air attacks are co-op-erating in the defences. Saint John, the capital of New Brunswick Province, has staged a partial black-out. Basements there are being made gas proof and bomb proof. The schools of the province have been closed indefinitely.