Canada (Representation at Washington).

Oral Answers to Questions — Ireland. – in the House of Commons at on 12 July 1922.

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Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY:

48.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to appoint a Minister plenipotentiary to represent Canada at Washington; and, if so, will he define the duties and powers of the Canadian Minister and the position that he will occupy vis-a-vis His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Dundee

The arrangements proposed in connection with the appointment of a Canadian Minister at Washington were explained in a statement made on the 10th May, 1920, by my right hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow Central, when he was Leader of the House. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to this statement in connection with the latter part of his question. As regards the first part, His Majesty's Government have received no recent intimation of the wishes of the Canadian Government.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY:

Is it not the case that no discussion took place upon that statement in 1920, and in view of the fact that this is a far-reaching constitutional change, will the House be given an opportunity of discussing it before it is completed?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Dundee

The House did not seek an opportunity for discussion of the matter at the time when the announcement was made in 1920, or did not insist upon such an opportunity. As far as I am aware this matter has made no progress since in any way. We have received no intimation of the wishes of the Canadian Government since. There is, therefore, clearly no case for further discussion now.

Lieut-Colonel MURRAY:

Is it not the case that I myself called attention to this in the Debate in 1920 and got no reply from the Front Bench?