§ 15. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any negotiations have taken place or are contemplated in connection with the possible association of Newfoundland with the Dominion of Canada, in view of the close historical, racial, cultural, educational, religious, and industrial ties which link the two countries?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)As to past negotiations on this subject, I would refer the hon. Member to Chapter III of the report of the recent Royal Commission on Newfoundland. Chapter VIII of that report makes it clear that no useful purpose would be served by reopening the question at the present time.
§ Mr. MANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that a possible development on this line will not be overlooked during the course of the next few years?
Mr. THOMASMy experience is that if two people want to come together they will do so, and that if a third person tries to force them there is no hope.
§ Mr. MANDERHas not the right hon. Gentleman been very successful in bringing people together, and cannot he try in this case?
Mr. THOMASYes, and I can conceive a possible reconciliation between the hon. Member and certain other people.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWHas any body of people in Newfoundland ox pressed a desire to be united with Canada?