February 19, 1929 (16th Parliament, 3rd Session)

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

Most decidedly so. I cannot see how this document is capable of any other interpretation than that as between Canada and the United States-let me enlarge that-as between the British Empire

and the United States. Neither will ever resort to war as a means of settling differences which may arise between them, but they will settle all differences by pacific means, and to that end each has pledged its honour before the entire world.
That brings me to my concluding word. More and more we are being told that this Dominion should help to shape the policy of the British Empire in many matters of foreign policy, matters Which will be referred to us from time to time for consideration and opinion. I maintain that having regard to Canada's position, having regard to her desires with respect to the relations that should exist between herself and her neighbours, having regard to what she would wish to 'have prevail among the nations of the world, we should make the principle underlying this treaty a basis of consideration in all matters of foreign policy; in other words, in any questions that come up as between the British Empire and other countries, we dhoulld insist upon the importance of the agreement that has been solemnly entered into by the different countries of the world to renounce war as an instrument of national polioy and to find pacific means for the settlement of their controversies.