“HER OWN CHOICE.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 26 March 1926, Page 9

“HER OWN CHOICE.”

CANADA'S PART IN EMPIRE WARS.

EFFECTIVE REPLY TO AGISTORS. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. OTTAWA, March 23. In introducing his resolution in the House of Commons, that Canada refuse to accept any responsibility for complications arising from the foreign policy of the United Kingdom,” Mr Woodsworth (Labour, Winnipeg) held that the time had come for Canada to exercise freewill in these matters. The Canadian Constitution had not kept abreast of the development of the Dominion. He held that Canada should not become involved in Empire wars, without deciding on the questions at issue herself. Mr Woodworth said that Canada must maintain very intimate relations with the United States ■ therefore she should he free in regard to her relations with that countrv.

Mr Woodsworth urged Parliament “Now to serve notice that our partnership is one of limited liability.” He denied be was anti-British, but declared that he was anti-imperialist. Mr W. IV. Kennedy (Conservative, Winnipeg) asked what was the motive behind Mr Woods worth’s resolution. “It deserves short shrift,” lie said. “When had the Mother'Country ever demanded that Canada should participate in Empire wars?” Mr Kennedy asked Canada, it was true, entered into some Empire wars, hut her entry had been by her own choice, and by

that alone. There had been no compulsion. She answered the call of a national need, the call of her kin across the water. He hoped she would do so again. Mr Kennedy urged that Mr Woodsworth’s purpose was “simply to gain a little kudos with a certain group of agitators in this country, of whom, ns Canadians, they should be ashamed.” Mr Kennedy said that Canada, as senior member of the Empire partnership, would he in the future as in the past, prepared to accept her responsibilities. M. Henri Bourassn (Independent. La Bella) said that nothing was gained by minimising tho problem of Imperial relations. Sir Geo. Perley (former High Commissioner in London) said that some way must be found for continuous consultation between the different parts of thp Empire if it is to hold together. The debate was adjourned. None of the leaders participated. The debate is to be continued at a future date.