From the News

Dated: November 12, 1918

Ottawa, Ont., Nov. 12 – The government is ready for demobilization as soon as word is received from overseas that troops can be removed to Canada. A complete general policy of demobilization was worked out by a committee in England which took up the question with Sir Edward Kemp, Sir Arthur Currie and the military leaders. This committee’s plans were then submitted to Ottawa and approved. Many of the details as to the movement could not, of course, be worked out until it was known just how long the troops would be required in Europe or how large an army of occupation would be needed. These questions are being taken up with authorities overseas and as soon as word is received details can be decided.

Lieut.-Col. Arthur Sullivan, a well-known Winnipeg lawyer before the war, who was a member of the overseas committee on demobilization and was sent to Canada to consult the authorities here on the question, has been appointed secretary of demobilization, with headquarters in Ottawa. There are many details to be decided. For instance, there are many thousands of women in England, dependents of soldiers. It will be impossible to bring them back with the troops and it is possible they may be returned first before the soldiers move.

It is also likely that the married men and veterans of the earlier contingents will be demobilized first. Railway and lumbermen may also be returned early if required by those industries. It is taken for granted that there will be a large army of occupation for some time in Germany and that Canada will furnish part of this army. It is likely that this army as far as Canada is concerned will be entirely volunteer. It is understood that the troops when they return to Canada will be sent immediately to centres nearest their homes, where they will secure their discharge. They military authorities are taking up with the soldier re-establishment department, of which Sir James Lougheed is head, the whole policy for handling the soldiers as soon as they are discharged. Plans are entirely outlined and further conferences will be held this week.