June 23, 1942 (19th Parliament, 3rd Session)

Mr. RALSTON:

I have not the text before me; but, if I remember correctly, orders of chivalry are mentioned, which would mean that membership in the Order of the British Empire could not be awarded even to those who might earn the right to such an award by reason of some act of meritorious service. That is one instance. I have not the resolution before me now; but I am advised by the legal officers of the department, and also, I think, by the legal officers of the Department of External Affairs, that the resolution does prevent the award of decorations of this kind for meritorious services which are not actually

acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy. I cannot give my hon. friend the text, since I have not the resolution before me. Needless to say, as far as I am concerned, this matter would not have been brought before this house if it were considered that it could have been dealt with otherwise, but I have felt that a grave injustice was being done to the men in the armed forces, and this seemed the only way in which it might be remedied.