CANADA’S RECRUITS

Grey River Argus, 10 November 1944, Page 4

CANADA’S RECRUITS

Volunteering Relied On PRIME MNISTER’S STATEMENT. (Rec. 10.40). OTTAWA, Nev. 9. Air Mackenzie King, Frime Minister of Canada, in a broadcast, said: “Very grave difficulties might be caused by imposing conscription for overseas service.” Mr Mackenzie King added that Mr Ralston, late Defence Minister, after a tour of European battlefronts, had expressed grave doubts as to whether necessary reinforcements could be kept up during the next few months by voluntary means. However, General McNaughton, the new Defence Minister, nad expressed the opinion that the possibilities of securing the required reinforcements by, the voluntary means have not been exhausted. Mr Mackenzie King added: “The Government did not accept Mr Ralston’s recommendations because the Government is convinced that the voluntary system has not broken down but can be continued. Consequently General McNaughton has become Minister of Defence.” General McNaughton has announced that Lieutenant-General Kenneth Stuart, Chief-of-Staff at the Canadian Military Headquarters, has gone on leave, pending his retirement.