CATHOLICS INCENSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 240, 30 December 1927, Page 13

CATHOLICS INCENSED

HELP FOR MEXICO ATTACK ON CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER OTTAWA. Dec. 22. High Government circles Have bten startled by an attack on the Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King, in an open letter, signed by the Bishop of London (Ontario), the Rt. Rev. M. F. Fallon, chief spokesman of the Irish Roman Catholics in Canada. Bishop Fallon declares that the honour of Canada is besmirched by the disgraceful episode of the Prime Minister permitting Sir Henry Thornton, president of the Canadian National Railways, to proceed to Mexico City to give expert advice respecting the reorganisation of the Mexican national railways. "I notice with interest that Sir Henry, after a sojourn of some weeks in the society of the robbers and murderers who form the Government of Mexico, has returned alive to Canada,” says the bishop, in his opening paragraph. The Canadian people have paid Sir Henry Thornton’s salary,” ho wrote, and will you inform us—and I have a perfect right to ask the question—what powerful, secret influence forced you to affront Canadian Rorqan Catholics by turning portion of their taxes to the aid of the most infamous Government in the world to-day?” The letter has caused a tremendous political sensation. In a brief reply, Mr. Mackenzie King has disclaimed any improper motive in allowing Sir Henry Thornton leave to go to Mexico. “It was solely that of goodwill; something for. which there is the highest authority,” declared the Prime Minister, who added that the same motive actuated Colonel Lindbergh’s visit on behalf of the Unit id States.