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decision. When, however, it became apparent that the delay in prorogation might necessitate your being in Ottawa on the King's birthday, without certainty of prorogation taking place that day, I felt it would be quite unreasonable to have you make the journey at that time. I wanted to be in a position - in the event of any question being raised - as Bennett in fact, did raise it with me , in conversation - to say that the responsibility was wholly mine: that with the delays what they were, and what they might have continued to be, I had taken the only befitting course in arranging for the deputy governor to prorogue parliament when he did.

3.

I am glad it all worked out so well, and that you were not prevented from visiting the Presbyterian Ministers, and from being present at Spencerwood on His King's birthday - also that you were spared a tedious journey back and forth, and an ever more tedious wait while here.

I am glad, too, your last few days with Mrs Buchan, Miss Buchan and your brother were not cut into, before their departure for Scotland. Your

mother's visit is something I shall always gratefully remember, it was something to which I had looked forward when your decision was made to come to Canada. In my talks with Mrs Buchan, and in thinking of your happiness together, I turned over again in my thoughts many of the hours that were most precious when my own dear mother was still alive. No link between us could be quite so enduring. I always feel about my friends, that only those who knew my mother or father, or something of our home, can really know me. All that I cherish most in thought and purpose has its source there. I am so glad you have had your mother with you at Ottawa and Quebec. I can think of no comparable happiness.

I am glad you approve so strongly of what I said with respect to the Italo-Ethiopian dispute and Canada's position with respect to sanctions and the League of Nations. I must confess to having experienced great anxiety throughout the session lest some word in our parliament would add to the difficulties of the countries overseas, and the British Government, in particular. I think we succeeded in bringing on this debate just at the right moment, and, I believe, what

was said has been helpful both in London, and at Geneva.

I have felt very sorry for Baldwin. I am glad, however, he has not hesitated to make it clear that war is the inevitable sequence to some of the courses being proposed. The cabinet, however, has had too many voices. I really believe Baldwin would have been much better off with a straight Conservative party behind him; and that perpetuating the National Government has been a mistake.

I think I am right in having decided to attend the meeting of the Assembly of the League in September; though, as you know, nothing had been further from

4.

my thought or wish. I had really hoped I might have the summer to rest; the Fall, to organize my office, and to prepare for a session of parliament early in January. It now looks as if it will take me all of this month to catch up with arrears of correspondence, and other work; and most of August to get in shape for the League of Nations meeting and to cover the many matters which will require attention before I leave. In addition to this, most of my colleagues are now either overseas or