Statement by Bonar Law, Opposition Leader, in House of Commons, Aug.
3.
The right honorable gentleman has made an appeal for support and it is
necessary that I should say a word or two, but they shall be very few. I
wish to say in the first place that I do not believe there is a single
member in this House who doubts that not only the right honorable
gentleman himself, but the Government which he represents, have done
everything in their power up to the last moment to preserve peace.
[Cheers.] And I think we may be sure that if any other course is taken
it is because it is forced upon them and that they have absolutely no
alternative. [Cheers.] One thing only further I should like to say. The
right honorable gentleman spoke of the bright spot in the picture which
only a day or two ago was a black spot in the political horizon.
Everything that he has said I am sure is true and I should like to say
this further--that if the contingencies which he has not put into words,
but which are in all our minds as possible, arise, then we have already
had indications that there is another bright spot--that every one of his
Majesty's dominions beyond the seas will be behind us in whatever act it
is necessary to take. [Cheers.] This only I should add. The Government
already know, but I give them now the assurance on behalf of the party
of which I am leader in this House, that in whatever steps they think it
necessary to take for the honor and security of this country they can
rely upon the unhesitating support of the Opposition. [Loud Ministerial
and Opposition cheers.]
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