CONSCRIPTION ISSUE

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1944, Page 5

CONSCRIPTION ISSUE

CANADIAN PARLIAMENT May be Dissolved 'y OVERSEA REINFORCEMENTS. [Aust. & N.Z. Press Association] (Rec. 9.30). OTTAWA, Nov. 22. Mr Mackenzie-King, Prime Minister, in the Canadian House of Commons, tabled correspondence leading to Mi’ Ralston’s recent resignation as Defence Minister on the question of conscripting recruits' for overseas service. There was extraordinary interest taken in the sitting crowds, including many French-speaking draftees, lineu up outside of the Parliament building -an hour before the House met. 'me public galleries were crowded. t ~ Mr Mackenzie-King said that the Chief of Staff in August gave a specific assurance that the reinforcement situation was satisfactory. The first intimation to the contrary reached the Cabinet on October 19. Mr Mackenzie-King said that he told Mr Ralston that there was no course more dangerous' than to hold a general election over the conscription issue. Mr Mackenzie-King expressed the opinion that no action should be taken which would divide the country and harm the war effort at the time when victory was certain. Mr Ralston’s resignation had been one of the most painful experiences of his life. He added tnat no one questioned Mr Ralston’s motivesintegrity, or disinterested patriotism. Mr Gordon Gray don, Progressive Conservative Party Leader, said that a debate should begin immediately. He formally moved that the Home Defence troops, who are conscripts, should be made available for overseas reinforcements forthwith. The Speaker ruled that notice oi this motion must be given. . General McNaughton, the Minister of Defence, will appear before the House to-morrow and will make a statement supporting his belief that the voluntary methods will suffice. Mr Ma'ckenzie-King told the House of Commons that a. general election would be the inevitable consequence of an attempt to enforce conscription. Such an election would lead to national divisions, which _ should be avoided. Division of opinion within the Liberal Party and its future course depends on whether all of the Cabinet Ministers remain loyal to the leader. If there were any large deflection, it would probably be impossible to avoid a dissolution and a' general election. (Rec. 6.15). NEW YORK, Nov. 23. < The New York Times says: Immediately after the adjournment of the Canadian. House, Mr Mackenzie-King met the Liberal Members at a secret Party caucus. It is admitted that there is a certain difference among the Liberal Ministers on the issue.

CABINET AGREED. (Rec. 11.0). NEW YORK, Nov. 23. The Ottawa correspondent of the Associated Press of America says: The Canadian Cabinet has reached a satisfactory understanding, and tomorrow it will present a united front at a conference with _ the Liberal Party members. Major decisions made by the Cabinet were as to whether a definite date should be fixed for an abandonment of the voluntary svstem, and whether the Home Defence Armv should be sent abroad should the voluntary system not produce the necessary reinforcements for overseas. -. . •