CANADA DECLARES WAR

August 23 to 24, 1939 saw the Soviet - German non-aggression Pact signed in Moscow. By August 26, Hitler had postponed the invasion of Poland. This was a last minute decision. Hitler had heard that Britain and Poland had formed a formal alliance.

September 1st, the German army invaded Poland on Hitler's orders and without a declaration of war. This action was the beginning of WWII.

On September 3rd, Britain, France, Amsterdam, Australia and New Zealand declared war on Germany. On September 4th, Britain's Royal Air Force began its first attacks on German warships. The next day, the United States made an announcement declaring its neutrality.

In 1939, Canada was still a British Colony. When Britain declared war, Canada was officially at war as well. But on September 9th, it was learned that two Canadian women were on the unarmed ocean liner, SSAthenia," which had been sunk by German U-boats. The next day, Canada declared war on Germany independently.

Prime Minister William Lyon McKenzie said it all in the House of Commons:

"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 design 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 today threatens the freedom of mankind.

This morning, the King (of England) 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 co-operation 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 have to decide. All I need to add to the moment is that Canada, as a free nation of the British Commonwealth, is bringing her co-operation voluntarily. Our effort will be voluntary.