Canada’s Race Problem

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 2

Canada’s Race Problem

BRITISH AND FRENCH STOCK United Presg Association.—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. SYDNEY, Sept. 6. When the British Commonwealth Relations Conference discussed the White Australia policy there was general agreement that the policy was based on economic and not on racial or biological prejudices. It was essen tially a national and not a political policy, the conference thought. On behalf of Canada, it was stated that there were definite racial problems as between people of purely British stock and the French Canadians. Only 50 per cent, of the popuation of Canada was of British descent, and the tendency was for that population t.o decline. From an economic point of view, delegates were told frankly, Canada was not so dependent upon Britain as were some other Dominions. Trade with the United States was actually more important to Canada than her trade with Britain. Upon the question of Canada’s attitude in the event of war, it was stated that it would be difficult to per suade the French Canadians to take part in any conflict against a Catholic enemy country or to endorse any alliance with Russia. Nevertheless, Canada was developing her Air Force as a strong measure of defence. The decision that the conference should be held in camera was closely followed. At the end of the sessions Dr. G. V. Portu.s Acted as the conference spokesman