Mr. MacINNIS:
Mr. Speaker-
Mr. MERCIER:
Answer.
Mr. MacINNIS:
Yes, give me time.
Mr. MERCIER:
Don't make a detour.
Mr. MacINNIS:
This government applied sanctions. If war had resulted from the application of sanctions, what position would this government be in? The purpose of
sanctions was to stop aggression in Abyssinia. The more absolute the sanctions applied, the greater the possibility of stopping aggression. Any action taken under the league might lead to war.
Mr. LAPOINTE (Quebec East):
But
suppose the hon. member is wrong, and there had been a war, would he have been in favour of participating in that war?
Mr. MacINNIS:
Most certainly, in any action which Canada as a member of the league would take to protect another member of the league.
Mr. LAPOINTE (Quebec East):
You must have some armament for that, though.
Mr. MacINNIS:
Yes, but we are not using it for that purpose.
Mr. PIERRE GAUTHIER (Portneuf) (Translation):
Mr. Speaker, every time a public man has to express an opinion or to advance a policy on a question of vital importance to his country, he must do it as fairly as possible. The satisfaction he may derive from seeing his name in all the papers, his concern about reelection, the more or less attractive reward that may be held out to him according to his attitude toward the party which he supports, in fact every personal consideration must give way to his duty as a representative of the people, and as a patriot.
Mr. BOULANGER:
Mr. Speaker, I deem
it my duty to raise a point of order. The hon. member has just made a statement that I cannot let silently go by. From the outset, the hon. member sought to leave the impression that those who do not share his views are actuated by personal interest and a desire to reap some benefit from the party to which they belong. I cannot let such a statement pass without protest, and I ask, according to rule 41 of the Standing Orders, that the hon. member be called to order, and that he be reminded that he has no right to impute motives to others.
The hon. member is a newcomer in the House of Commons. He may have many things to learn yet; in the first place, politeness and decency. I do not impute motives to anyone, and I do not want to have any imputed to me. I let everybody free to express their views and I claim the same privilege. I am endeavouring to be polite, courteous and considerate, and I am expecting others to treat me likewise.
Therefore, I shall ask you, Mr. Speaker, under rule 41, and according to the Standing Orders of the house which preclude the imputation of motives to a fellow member,
National Defence-Mr. Gauthier
to call the hon. member to order, further that he be asked to withdraw the offensive words which he has just uttered, and that he be reminded that the debates of this house must not be disparaged by personal remarks.
Mr. LACOMBE:
Mr. Speaker, speaking on the point of order, I wish to state that the hon. member did not mention any member of the house in particular, and that he has a perfect right to comment upon previous speeches. The hon. member who opened this debate made no personal reference to the hon. member for Bellechasse (Mr. Boulanger)-
Mr. BOULANGER:
Mr. Speaker-
Mr. GAUTHIER (Translation):
One speech on a point of order ought to be enough.
Mr. BOULANGER (Translation):
If you
will permit me, I shall quote the rule to which I have just referred in English, because I have not the French version before me. Here is what rule 41 says:
No member shall speak disrespectfully of His Majesty, nor of any of the Royal Family; nor of the governor or person administering the government of Canada; nor use offensive words against either house, or against any member thereof. No member may reflect upon any vote of the house, except for the purpose of moving that such vote be rescinded.
And a little further, at page 97 of Beau-ohesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, number 207:
The imputation of bad motives different from those acknowledged, misrepresenting the language of another or accusing him, in his turn, of misrepresentation, charging him with falsehood or deceit; or contemptuous or insulting language of any kind; all these are unparliamentary and call for prompt interference.
While addressing the house, the hon. member for Portneuf (Mr. Gauthier) stated clearly that those who did not share his views-
Mr. GAUTHIER (Translation):
It is
untrue.
Mr. BOULANGER (Translation):
-that those who expressed opinions contrary to his own were probably actuated by personal motives and were likely seeking some reward for the services which they rendered the Liberal party. That is what I am objecting to, Mr. Speaker, and I ask that the member be called to order, and furthermore that he be asked to withdraw his statements.
Mr. LACOMBE (Translation):
Mr. Speaker, speaking on the point of order, I consider that it would be most unfair to call the hon. member to order. The house will divide,
[Mr. BoulangerJ
either to-night or to-morrow or later, on this motion which has been presented by the hon. member for Vancouver North.
Mr. GAUTHIER (Translation):
Mr. Speaker, speaking on the point of order-
Mr. SPEAKER (Translation):
I do not
think that the hon. member for Portneuf, in the course of his remarks, has mentioned the name of the hon. member for Bellechasse. I listened to him attentively, and while there was some noise in the house, I do not think that his remarks can be construed as being meant for any particular member of the house who has previously spoken on this question.