from lack of them.
Conclusion is that Canada sent forward an expedition well trained and, subject to what shipping facilities allowed, well provided with equipment. In spite of disaster it was an expedition of which Canada can and should be proud. Summary ends.
available.
Full text of report will be sent to you 1.8 soon as
Colonel Drew, leuder of Opposition in Ontario Legislature, who started the agitation which led to the enquiry and van Os nettion Counsel on the enquiry has issued statement saying among other things "I find it almost impossible to believe that the summary has any reference at all to the evidence. The only facts brought out in evidence were so blood-curdling that the public have a right to know what did take place. The privacy, for which there was no reason, of the hearings has served no purpose except to hide evidence of inexcusable blundering confusion and incompetence".
Enquiry originated in desire of Opposition to use Hong Kong disaster as stick with which to beat Government over conscription issue. Some Opposition papers in disappointment again raise questions already disposed of in report, e.g. if trained men were available why were they not sent, and disclaim reliance on assertions of Chief Justice in expressing himself as catisfied. Montreal Gazette for instance "Canadian confidence in the good judgement of our Chief Justice is or was very high but it was never as high as all that".
In view of decisive terms of report I find it hard to think that Hong Kong disaster can yield much further political capital for opposition.
Copy to:-
F. 0.
W.C.O.
0.0.
Mr. Ashley Clarke
Sir E. Bridges
Mr. Lloyd.
Prime Minister's Private Secretary.
W.Ü.
W.0. (M.0.12)
A
W.C.O. CoO
Major Nicholl (4)
Lt. Col. Dinwiddie
Lt. Col. Stirling
Mr. Monson.
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