Mr. GORDON GRAYDON (Leader of the opposition):

Mr. Speaker, it is not often in the history of a leader of an opposition that he can speak on behalf of the whole parliament in which he sits, and at the same time be reasonably sure of unanimous support for what he says. I feel in this particular instance, however, that I am in that position.

Because of the war and the serious matters connected with it, there is not much time left for pleasant occasions such as that which is afforded now to members of this house. Therefore this occasion stands out in bold relief; because after nearly four full and very strenuous weeks in which the Prime Minister has dealt with important commonwealth, international and war-time business for Canada overseas, he has returned to our midst, again to take his part in the affairs of parliament.

One of my words at this time should be an-expression of gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty, to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, to the members of the United Kingdom cabinet, to the members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons at Westminster-indeed to the entire people of Great Britain-for the spontaneous and open-hearted welcome they extended to our Prime Minister while he was there, a welcome which we in turn, as a nation of Canadian citizens, are pleased to share.

The general tone of the welcome the Prime Minister of Canada received in that overseas domain was an indication of how the nation he represents is held over there. I fancy the gesture of good will and affection extended to the Prime Minister on behalf of himself and the people of Canada will remain long with him as a treasured and prized memory, as it will for the rest of us in Canada who share it with him.

May I say this to the Prime Minister: We are glad you are back. We are glad your journey was a safe one, and that you have been able to maintain and to preserve that measure of good health in which you left and which, apparently, is unabated on your return. We hope, too, that in the near future we shall be able to welcome two other leaders from the sister dominions of Australia and New Zealand. We shall welcome them not only on their own account, but because of the splendid achievements of their respective nations, both

Welcome to Prime Minister

in war and in peace. They stand high in the esteem, the admiration and the affection of the Canadian people, and I think it well that we pay this public tribute to them.

And so, if I may, on behalf of the members [DOT]of the house, I extend to the Prime Minister the very warmest and most cordial of welcomes upon his return, and I say to him: We are happy indeed to have you with us once more.

Mr. M. J. COLDWELL (Rosetown-Biggar):

Mr. Speaker, I am sure every member of the house, regardless of party, will re-echo the words of the leader of the opposition (Mr. [DOT]Graydon) on this occasion. It was indeed kind of the Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Ralston) yesterday to let us know that the Prime Minister was to arrive last evening, so that we might be present and see him land safe and well, and apparently not too tired.

We feel, as I think all the house feels,

[DOT] regardless of our political affiliations, that the Prime Minister on his recent trip represented 'Canada with distinction to himself and honour to our country.

Mr. J. Id. BLACKMORE (Lethbridge): Mr. Speaker, members of this group are glad to welcome the Prime Minister home. We feel it is a cause of satisfaction that he was able to make the trip safely, over there and back, and we shall be glad indeed to see him ready again to take his part in the government *of the country.

Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):

I am sure you, Mr. Speaker, and hon. members will not be surprised when I say that it is with great difficulty I find words wherewith to express my appreciation of the welcome extended to me this afternoon, as I return to my duties in the House of Commons.

May I say to my hon. friend the leader of the opposition (Mr, Graydon) that it was particularly pleasing to be welcomed by him, both as an old friend and as leader of the opposition in the house. There are times when, I imagine, my hon. friend would not welcome my return as cordially as he has this afternoon. But may I say to him that I have never come into the House of Commons at any time when I found myself more *pleased with having that opportunity. I thank him for the exceedingly generous and felicitous way in which he has extended a welcome on behalf of his party, and I thank too, my hon. friends, the leaders of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation and the Social Credit parties for the equally felicitous and generous manner in which they have extended their good wishes, and those of their t{Mr. Graydon.]

followers. I shall ever remember with gratitude as well as pride, the welcome accorded from all sides of the house.

May I say to all hon. members that at no time have I been insensible of the burden of responsibility which was mine. If I have been fortunate enough not to disappoint too greatly any hopes or expectations they may have been kind enough to entertain of my representation of this House of Commons in Great Britain, I cannot be too grateful. The welcome which I received in Britain, which as my hon. friend the leader of the opposition quite rightly says was a welcome of the entire people of Britain, from their majesties the king and queen to those engaged in humble but essential tasks in that country at this time was certainly a welcome to the representative of the people of Canada and an expression of the feeling of the heart and mind of Britain toward the Canadian people. My visit afforded me an opportunity to realize how deeply the people of the United Kingdom feel toward the people of Canada. No words could begin to acknowledge the expressions that came from all sides as to the war effort of our country, and what it meant to have Canada and the other self-governing nations of the commonwealth represented at the side of the British government and people, at this of all times in the history of the world.

Had time permitted, and had I not just concluded a journey of over four thousand miles in one day and night, I should have liked to say something to the house of the many impressions gathered while in the United Kingdom, but doubtless I will have other opportunities for doing so. I shall accordingly make but a reference or two to those impressions. First, I should like to say that I think the conference in every way was a very great success, not only in what it. disclosed of unity of purpose, unity of feeling and unity of action on the part of all who were there, but also in what it represented, in a symbolic way, to other parts of the world of the complete unity of the British commonwealth of nations and their high purpose at this time. It would not be possible to overestimate the value which the discussions at the conference were to all present. We had the privilege, the very great privilege, of having the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Churchill, preside over practically all the meetings. It was an inspiration to have his leadership. I am sure hon. members will be pleased to know that the Prime Minister of Great Britain was never in better health and never displayed more vigour than at the present time. During the last few

Welcome to Prime Minister

years I have seen him on many occasions; at Washington, here in Ottawa and also in Britain, but I can say that I do not recall ever having seen Mr. Churchill display the vigour, the energy, the tirelessness and the utter freedom from fatigue that he displayed throughout the entire conference. This means a great deal to all of us.

The discussions were free, frank and friendly. I could not honestly say that there were material differences between us on any questions. There were shades of opinion; there were points of view that were perhaps different, arising out of the different geographical positions of the different nations of the commonwealth, and the local situations they must necessarily take into account, but there was no difficulty whatever in arriving at a convergence of view with respect to all matters that were discussed. The programme itself was very full. It covered a variety of subjects, dealing of course primarily with matters of defence, with plans of the whole war, but dealing also with questions of foreign policy, matters related to the period of transition, to post-war reconstruction, and to the fashioning of a new world order. In the nature of things the proceedings of the conference were very secret, and one has to be doubly careful at this moment to disclose very little of what took place within its secret councils. These are moments when the enemy is more active than he has been at any time. He would be quick to piece together remarks that might be made in different parts of the world as to what had taken place, and turn them to his own advantage. But I can say, and I am proud to say, that its entire proceedings were marked by a degree of unanimity and determination that it would be impossible to exaggerate.

I believe the house would be interested were I to give just a line which might come to hon. members as from Mr. Churchill himself, for it, better than anything else I can think of, describes wThat the conference meant not only to him but to all of us who were present from the other nations of the commonwealth. I give the words as spoken by the Prime Minister at the opening of the concluding session, at the time the representatives signed the declaration which was subsequently published. Mr. Churchill said:

We have found comfort in hours of stress and anxiety. In days when great military operations are proceeding with vigour, and, at last, not uncheered by hopes of success, we have found pleasure in meeting men whose companionship is .a comfort, whose comradeship is strong as a rock. . . . My confidence in the future is enormously strengthened by all that lias passed around this council board, and I am sure that

this meeting will in future years be looked back to as one of the important milestones in the history of our united association.

My hon. friends have been kind enough to make reference to my part in the proceedings. May I say to them and to other hon. members of the house that, if it was in any way satisfactory, that was due to the circumstance that I had the privilege of giving expression to what I believe to be feelings and sentiments which are held in common throughout this dominion. I sought to avoid' making reference to matters which might represent differences of opinion on any question.. The things that we all hold in common are so much greater than the things that divide us-that it was not difficult for me to feel that, when I spoke, I was speaking not for any particular party, not for either side of the-house, but for members of all parties in this House of Commons and for the people of Canada as a whole.

My stay in Britain over the past three weeks and more has permitted me to gain exceptional information from the inside, from those-who know more about the position of affairs-in Europe and throughout the world than-any other men; to obtain information from-those in the highest positions on the military side as well as from those in the highest positions on the civil side. I have been permitted, also, to see something of the tremendous developments that have taken place in preparation for the final great task which may come at any moment. As a result of what I have seen and heard, I feel more reassured than I have felt at any time as to the certainty of ultimate victory. But may I say also that I feel more deeply than ever that the struggle is going to be very much greater and more difficult than any of -us begin to comprehend!.

I believe it is going to be longer than perhaps most of us imagine. As to its being a difficult struggle, a hard and severe struggle, a stupendous struggle, there -can be no doubt. It will be the greatest conflict in arms that has ever taken place in the history of the world. We must be prepared, all of us, everywhere, to hear from time to time of situations that may cause us, for the moment, great concern. But let me say to the people of Canada, when that moment comes, have nodoubt whatever as to what the ultimate outcome of the struggle will be, for I believe, knowing the plans of the united nations and what is being done to give effect to them, that there can be no question at all as to what the ultimate outcome will be.

I should like to add a further word as a result of what I have heard and seen- and felt. I do not believe that this war is going to end

Welcome to Prime Minister

the conflict between the different classes and races of men. The enemy of to-day must be completely destroyed, but forces of evil have been let loose in this world which it is going to be difficult indeed to bring to bay. These forces of evil are going to continue to destroy much of what is best in the world, for many *days, I am afraid, possibly years, after the main struggle is over. In all of our deliberations here, as I am sure will be the case in the deliberations of all other assemblies of free nations, we must never lose sight of the fact that our greatest work may still lie ahead in seeking to trample under foot and slay the dragon that to-day is seeking to destroy humanity itself.

I have been impressed more than ever with the truth that Britain holds the gates of freedom for the world. She has carried a great burden through the years, almost through centuries, in keeping open those gates of freedom. She has been hard pressed, very hard pressed in recent years in keeping those gates ajar. I believe that if the nations of the commonwealth had not found it possible in their hearts, from aheir love of freedom and sense of justice, to *come immediately as they did to the side of Britain when this great struggle broke out, she herself might not have found it possible to keep those gates open. If those gates are * ever closed there will be no more freedom for men in this world, I believe, for a thousand .years to come. So I say that our task should :go beyond this war and that we must continue tto share with all freedom-loving peoples the igitaat task of keeping those gates of freedom, which Britain represents, open to mankind.

I should add that I never was so proud of Canada as I was in Britain when I saw what our armed forces meant to the people there, and what they are accomplishing. It was not my privilege, obviously, to witness our naval forces in action, though events took place at the time of my visit which caused us all to realize their service and sacrifice as perhaps they have not been recognized at any other moment. But I did have the privilege of [DOT]visiting our bomber group at one or two of its stations and of seeing something of the army and of its extent and work. I felt a pride in Canada's effort greater than any I have ' hitherto known or expressed. On some other *occasion I shall have a chance to say a word about that and about the work people on the farms and in industries in Canada are doing to keep Britain supplied with the food and the war materials she so greatly needs.

Let me conclude, Mr. Speaker, by saying that I was never more proud to be a Canaj

dian than I am at this hour, and I was never more proud to be a citizen of the British commonwealth.

1. Has an order in council been passed dealing with those who buy land which Japanese subsequently occupy?

2. Has the government of British Columbia made representations to the Minister of Justice advocating ithe amending of the regulations covering the sale of land to Japanese with a view to having the penalties for infraction apply to those who held land for Japanese as well as to those who conveyed it?

3. If so, (a) when were such representations made; (b) has such action been taken; (c) is such action contemplated?

Mr. ST. LAURENT:

1. Yes.

2. The Attorney General of British Columbia has made such representations.

3. (a) March 27 and April 14, 1944. (b)

Yes. (c) Answered by (b).

1. Has Albert Victor Westgate recently been sentenced to hang?

2. Had this man been sentenced previously before a court of justice?

3. If so, (a) for what offence; (to) what was the sentence; (c) was he set free before the expiration of his term of imprisonment; (d) upon whose recommendation was he set free?

Mr. ST. LAURENT:

1. A Canadian press dispatch, dated May 8, 1944, from Winnipeg, reported Albert Victor Westgate sentenced to be executed on July 24, 1944.

2. Yes.

3. (a) Murder, (b) Sentenced to be hanged on June 5, 1929, which sentence was, on June 1, 1929, commuted to life imprisonment, (c) On June 3, 1943, released on licence, under Ticket of Leave Act. (d) Representations were made to the Department of Justice by the warden and the chaplains of the penitentiary, by many outstanding citizens of Manitoba, by the Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, by the Canadian Welfare Association, Manitoba Branch Prisoners' Aid, and by a prospective employer; careful investigation in respect thereto was made by the remission service of the Department of Jus-

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tice, and on its report as to merits the recommendation was made by the Minister of Justice.

1. Is Mr. J. K. Smith, truck controller for the province of Quebec, an employee of the dominion government or a' dollar a year man?

2. In either case, since when?

3. What was his previous occupation?

4. Will a bilingual employee be appointed in his stead?

5. If not, why not?

1. An employee of the dominion government, wartime prices and trade board.

2. May 1, 1942.

3. From 1900 to 1920 Mr. Smith was engaged in various phases of freight traffic handling, becoming in 1918 assistant to the general traffic manager of the freight tariff bureau of the Canadian National Railways. In 1920 he joined the Acadia Sugar Refining Company, Montreal, as traffic manager, and in 1922 was appointed manager of the transportation bureau, Montreal board of trade, from which organization he is presently on loan to this board.

4. No appointment is necessary as the position is now filled.

5. Mr. Smith's services are quite satisfactory and he has several French-speaking assistants.

1. Has the economic council of Canada been required by the government to make a study and report upon housing conditions in Canada, pursuant to the Dominion Housing Act, 1935, chapter 58, section 3?

2. If so, has a report been given to the government by the said council?

1. No. The Economic Council of Canada Act, 1935, was repealed by chapter 5 of the statutes of Canada, 1936.

2. Answered by No. 1.

1. What was the total amount of reparations paid by the German government to the Canadian government after the war 1914-1918?

2. What is the total of these reparations .paid for the purpose of reimbursing individuals who had suffered injuries because of mistreatment or neglect by German nationals?

3. What were the names of and amounts paid to such individuals?

4. How much remained in this fund after ah claims had been disposed of?

5. What final disposal was made of any amounts remaining in this fund?

6. What were the names of the members of the committee that handled the fund?

7. How many claims were made against this fund for which the claimants received no reimbursement ?

1. 826,672,246.06.

2. The reparation payments were not paid under any particular heading of the treaty of peace, since under article 232 compensation may be claimed from Germany in respect of damages under the following categories:

(1) Damage to injured persons and to surviving dependents by personal injury to or death of civilians caused by acts of war, including bombardments or other attacks on land, on sea, or from the air, and all the direct consequences thereof, and of all operations of war by the two groups of belligerents wherever arising.

(2) Damage caused by Germany or her

allies to civilian victims of acts of cruelty, violence or maltreatment (including injuries to life or health as a consequence of imprisonment, deportation, internment or evacuation, of exposure at sea or being forced to labour), wherever arising, and to the surviving dependents of such victims.

(3) Damage caused by Germany or her

allies in their own territory or in occupied or invaded territory to civilian victims of all acts injurious to health or capacity to work, or to honour, as well as to the surviving dependents of such victims.

(4) Damage caused by any kind of maltreatment of prisoners of war.

(5) As damage caused to the peoples of the allied and associated powers, all pensions and compensation in the nature of pensions to naval and military victims of war (including members of the air forces), whether mutilated, wounded, sick or invalided, and to the dependents of such victims, the amount due to the allied and associated governments being calculated for each of them as being the capitalized cost of such pensions and compensation at the date of the coming into force of the present treaty, on the basis of the scales in force in France at such date.

(6) The cost of assistance by the governments of the allied and associated powers to prisoners of war and to their families and dependents.

(7) Allowances by the governments of the allied and associated powers to the families and dependents of mobilized persons or persons serving with the forces, the amount due to them for each calendar year in which hostilities occurred being calculated for each

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government on the basis of the average scale for such payments in force in France during that year.

(8) Damage caused to civilians by being forced by Germany or her allies to labour without just remuneration.

(9) Damage in respect of all property wherever situated belonging to any of the allied or associated states or their nationals, with the exception of naval and military works or materials, which has been carried off, seized, injured or destroyed by the acts of Germany or her allies on land, on sea or from the air, or damaged directly in consequence of hostilities or or any operations of war.

(10) Damage in the form of levies, fines and other similar exactions imposed by Germany or her allies upon the civilian population, and the total amount paid represented an insignificant percentage of the cost to Canada under the above ten headings.

It is assumed, how'ever, that the question relates to awards made by various reparations commissioners, the last of whom was Errol M. McDougall, Esq., K.C., who submitted his final report in March, 1933. All payments based on reports of the various reparations commissioners were provided by funds appropriated by the Parliament of Canada and the total amount distributed out of the appropriations provided by parliament was $8,580,245.88.

3. The reports of the reparations commissioners were made to the Governor General in Council and were printed in blue book form and placed on the table of parliament. These reports deal with the cases submitted and the decision in each case and cover more than 1,700 printed pages.

4. Since the funds were appropriated by vote of the Parliament of Canada and the last commissioner submitted his final report in 1933, no balance remains in the funds so appropriated.

5. Answered by No. 4.

6. There was no committee dealing with the funds, but commissioners were appointed under the Inquiries Act to deal with claims submitted. The appointments of these commissioners were as follows:

The Hon. Chief Justice Sir J. D. Hazen, 31st October, 1921, who asked to be relieved of his duties and did not deal with claims.

The Hon. William Pugsley, 13th March, 1923, who died before making his report. James Friel, Esq., K.C., 19th June, 1925. Errol M. McDougall, Esq., K.C., 6th September, 1930.

7. It appears from the reports that 3.194 claims were submitted and 2,025 claims allowed in whole or in part. This would mean that 1,169 claims were rejected.