READY FOR ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1938, Page 8

READY FOR ACTION

DECLARATION BY CANADIAN PREMIER FULL AGREEMENT WITH BRITAIN. DOMINION “GEARED FOR ANY CONTINGENCY.” OTTAWA, September 27. After the Cabinet meeting today, the Premier, Mr Mackenzie King, announced that the Government agreed fully with the British stand. “Canada is is geared for any contingency,” he said. He appealed to the nation for united action, so that “controversies and divisions, which might seriously impair effective concerted action, may be avoided.” Defence authorities, after a survey, estimate that Canada will be able to send 750,000 men overseas and mobilise and equip them faster than in 1914. All leave of the permanent forces has been cancelled. The Prime Minister stated that it was not the time yet to call Parliament. It is understood arrangements have been completed for its immediate summons the moment war becomes an actuality. Cabinet has prepared various alternatives to lay before members, who must decide Canada’s course. There are growing demands throughout the country for prompt and decisive action. Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Baker told a mass meeting at Victoria yesterday that it was time Canada stopped being the pensioners of the United States and Britain. It should be spending three times as much on defence. Canada had failed to learn the lesson of the Great War, when only the British Navy prevented the invasion of Canadian homes. There was an identical problem today. Meanwhile a split has occurred in the Canadian Commonwealth Federation Party (Socialists). Mr M. J. Coldwell, the chief lieutenant of the leader, Mr J. S. Woodsworth, is calling on the party to support Britain with men and resources to the full. . Mr C. G. Mac Neil, who is also a member of the House of Commons, is 1 urging that there should be no expeditionary force, which he claims Britain is not expecting. Canada should facilitate the carriage of supplies to England instead.