§ 45. Mr. R. Aclandasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to convincing our own people and the people of Europe, particularly those of Germany, that he has introduced conscription in order to promote world interest and not in order to defend this country's own economic advantage, he will make an announcement of our early intention to abandon the Ottawa policy?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AclandAre not any economic advantages which may be gained from this policy completely out-weighed by the moral disadvantage of pursuing it?
§ The Prime MinisterIt seems to me a very far cry from Ottawa to conscription.
§ Mr. AclandDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that anybody will believe that we are going in for conscription for world purposes if we are to pursue a policy of developing our Empire as a private concern?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. TurtonWill not great harm be done in Europe, particularly in Germany, if they learn that there are some Liberal Members who are anxious to abandon the Empire?