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W. L. Mackenzie King
Declares War
Below is an extract from a speech given
by Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King in the House of
Commons, in September, 1939.
For months, indeed for years, the shadow
of impending conflict in Europe has been ever present. Through these
troubled years, no stone has been left unturned, no road unexplored in
the patient search for peace. Unhappily for the world, Herr Hitler and
the nazi regime in Germany have persisted in their attempt to extend
their control over other peoples and countries, and to pursue their
aggressive designs in wanton disregard of all treaty obligations, and
peaceful methods of adjusting international disputes. They have had to
resort increasingly to agencies of deception, terrorism and violence. It
is this reliance upon force, this lust for conquest, this determination
to dominate throughout the world, which is the real cause of the war
that to-day threatens the freedom of mankind.
This morning, the king, speaking to his
peoples at home and across the seas, appealed to all, to make their own,
the cause of freedom, which Britain again has taken up. Canada has
already answered that call. On Friday last, the government, speaking on
behalf of the Canadian people, announced that in the event of the United
Kingdom becoming engaged in war in the effort to resist aggression, they
would, as soon as parliament meets, seek its authority for effective
cooperation by Canada at the side of Britain.
In what manner and to what extent Canada
may most effectively be able to co-operate in the common cause is as I
have stated, something which parliament itself will decide. All I need
to add at the moment is that Canada, as a free nation of the British
Commonwealth, is bringing her cooperation voluntarily. Our effort will
be voluntary.
The people of Canada will, I know, face
the days of stress and strain which lie ahead with calm and resolute
courage. There is no home in Canada, no family, and no individual whose
fortunes and freedom are not bound up in the present struggle. I appeal
to my fellow Canadians to unite in a national effort to save from
destruction all that makes life itself worth living, and to preserve for
future generations those liberties and institutions which others have
bequeathed to us.
--William Lyon Mackenzie King,
Prime Minister of Canada, September, 1939
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