CANADA’S STATUS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20035, 6 September 1939, Page 5

CANADA’S STATUS

NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT PARLIAMENT MUST DECIDE TRADES UNION PLEDGE (Reed. Sept. 6, 10.30 a.m.) OTTAWA, Sept. 4. There is no official pronouncement of Canada’s technical status in the war, but it is believed that aggressive action like the capturing or attacking of a German ship can be taken only after a formal declaration of war. It is assumed that until this is announced, Canada’s Only war effort will be defensive. The Government’s declared policy is th'-t Parliament must decidri whether it is ■ to be peace or war It- will seek authority to give the most effective co-operation to Britain immediately Parliament meets. The Conservative Opposition caucus, which will meet to-morrow to discuss the extent of Canada’s participation, is expected fully to support the Government in. a policy of vigorous co-operation with Britain. The union secretary, Mr. Robert Tallon, again pledged the Trades’ Labour Congress tb resist to the fullest extent further encroachments on the democracies. It -is officially stated that th e provinces most likely to be endangered by air attacks are co-operating in the defences. Saint John staged a partial black-out. Basements arc being made gas-proof and bomb proof and schools have been closed indefinitely.