June 4, 1947 (20th Parliament, 3rd Session)

Mr. H. G. ARCHIBALD (Skeena):

I should like to contribute just a few words to this debate. At the outset, I may say quite frankly that I do not like this bill; I have no sympathy at all with it. I do not like the way in which the government is bringing it into operation. I can remember that when the news first came out a month or so ago we were told that it was to be an agreement concerning meteorology, for the study of weather and so on. When we tried to discuss it on the floor of the house; at least when I tried, I was ruled out of order. Now we have thrown at us the fact that the Americans wish to have and apply their military laws here in Canada. I believe that this method of bringing in their military law is much like the story of the camel getting his head into the tent; before we are through, the whole works will be in. It is not a case of being friendly or unfriendly to the United States, but at the present time we have that country carrying on a one-man stand fighting for a method of trade with which the rest of the world does not agree.
I should like to point out that the attitude of Great Britain in world trade affairs, which is the basis of all wars, is altogether different from that of the United States. Britain is promoting friendly relations and friendly trade pacts with Russia, for example, and with such countries as Poland. The United States may be peace loving, but at the present moment it is canying on an economic war which, if continued to its logical conclusion, will wind up in actual warfare, and we do not want to see that happen. As pointed out by the hon. member for Acadia (Mr. Quelch), there is a third method, which is being pursued by Great Britain. Already in the press reports it can
Veterans Affairs

be seen that the tension between Great Britain and Russia is easing, while the tension between Russia and the United States is increasing. It is all very well to say that we should go with like-minded peoples. Yes; we get in with them, and the first thing we know we shall be with them in their fight right up to our neck. I had personal experience with United States personnel up in Prince Rupert during the war, and some of it was not so good. If you take our standards of education, they are far ahead of those in the United States. You give these people power to judge their own personnel ; you say that if they infringe Canadian laws they will be tried by Canadian courts. That is all very well, but once the M.P.'s get hold of their own men, it is difficult to get them back into our own courts.
Now may I move the adjournment of the debate, Mr. Speaker?
Motion agreed to and debate adjourned.