Quest Biographies Bundle — Books 11–15. Gary Evans

told King, “in appreciation of your visit to Germany.”

      King opened the box. Inside was a signed picture of Hitler in a beautiful silver frame. Hitler is such a nice, sweet man, he thought. He has many fine qualities, such as devotion to his mother and the ability to rise from limited opportunities through self-education. King felt sure Hitler was deeply mystical, following his star of destiny as he pursued his goal of freeing his country from tyranny. I cannot, King reminded himself, abide Nazism – the regimentation – the cruelty – the oppression of Jews, but, he prophesied mentally, Hitler, the peasant, will rank some day with Joan of Arc among the deliverers of his people.

      “Thank you for the gift,” King said to his host “and for the privilege of the interview. I strongly agree with seeking to do greater good for those in humble walks of life and would like to speak more with you about the constructive side of your work. I wish you well with your efforts to help mankind.”

      Hitler returned to the pressing matters of his dictatorship, while King was free to enjoy being a tourist. He was to meet with members of the youth movement and later go to the opera. But now, he wandered to the far side of the Tiergarten, until he was at the house where he had lived for one season as a student thirty-seven years ago.

      The birds sang in the trees overhead, rejoicing, King thought. This is why I was born in Berlin, over sixty years ago in 1874. So that today I could deliver an important message of peace.

      Addressing the Canadian troops in Britain, 1941. General McNaughton stands by.

      7

       Holding the Pillars Together

      The Gazette, Montreal, March 21, 1939

      Canada at War if U.K. Attacked:

      Premier King

      At Ottawa members of all parties joined in an attack on German policies. Prime Minister King, defining the Government’s attitude toward the Empire in time of war, declared the Dominion would consider it an act of aggression on the whole Commonwealth if Britain were to be attacked.

      Packed galleries and a largely attended House listened to a carefully prepared statement from the Prime Minister who declared that any act of aggression against Britain would bring prompt and determined action from the Dominion; that while this was a time for preparedness it was also a time when every avenue of conciliation should be explored.

      The Gazette, Montreal, March 23, 1939

      Spirits Advise Medium in Verdun The World

      Faces Seven Years Woe

      Unless “Lord Kitchener and a man named Gladstone” were blowing sour notes on their spirit trumpets last night the world is scheduled for momentous changes during the next seven years, according to prophecies voiced “through” the Rev. Mary Ellen Goodling, pastor of the Holy Trinity Temple of Light, East Preston Street, Baltimore, Md. at a meeting of the congregation of the Verdun Progressive Spiritualist Church.

      Madame Goodling predicted: The return of Edward VIII to the throne he abdicated; the permanent residence of the King and Queen in Canada, which would become the centre of the Empire; “seven more years of Hitler”; and the break up of the British Empire as it is known today.

      Her plump figure draped in a flowing gown, her round face hidden by a veil, a gold cross hanging on a chain from her neck, the “prophetess” presented a living picture of the “White Sister” as she began her forecasts at the beginning of a period given over to “messages.”

      As though in a trance and speaking in a quick, smooth, lulling voice, Mrs. Goodling told the gathering that she was “moved by some force” to proclaim the prophecies.

      Royal York Hotel, Toronto

      August 8, 1939

      King leafed through the banquet program.

      Complimentary Banquet

       Tendered to

       Rt. Hon. Mackenzie King

       By the Liberal Party of Canada

       On the Completion of Twenty Years of Continuous

       Leadership

       1919-1939

      Menu Celery Queen Olives Fruit Cocktail Grilled Chicken Maître D’Hotel Green Peas

      His eyes stopped. Green Peas. I hate green peas. To King it seemed that everything about the day had been perfect. Despite the storm clouds of war drawing ever nearer, Liberal supporters had made this his day. The whole thing was delightful – except for the peas. If he had been in charge of the details, this oversight would never have occurred.

      King read the Toast List. The twenty-first speaker, the Honourable Cairine Wilson, was giving her tribute. Wilson represented one of the important changes since King had become Liberal Leader. She was the first woman appointed to the Canadian Senate and the only one listed on the Roll Call pages of Liberal members in the cabinet, House of Commons, and Senate.

      That program section devoted to King’s Significant Record listed the Imperial Conferences attended, the four elections won, and the books authored. The article informed readers that “of political leaders in Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir Wilfrid Laurier alone were leaders of their party for over twenty years.”

      King thought of some of his happy memories. Such a lovely time he’d had just a short while ago when, during the royal visit, Pat, with his little red bow, had lain at Queen Elizabeth’s feet throughout the luncheon at Laurier House.

      The confident response he had prepared to Wilson’s toast recalled some of the many triumphant moments of his leadership. No one must sense that he was beginning to tire. The question squeezing his stomach was How will I hold the nation together if war comes? In March he’d promised the House of Commons “conscription of men for overseas service will not be a necessary or effective step.” If once again, as in the First World War, the French interests were pitted against the English, King was sure the country would be torn asunder.

      The spirits informed him God had chosen him for a special mission. He would prevent civil war at all costs.

      Prime Minister’s Office

      East Block, Parliament Buildings

      Ottawa

      September 5, 1939

      “Mackenzie,” Franklin D. Roosevelt’s voice on the other end of the telephone boomed. F.D.R., the American president, was as friendly as usual, but King sensed a slight nervousness. Earlier in the conversation, King had assured Cordell Hull, the American secretary of state, that Canada would not be at war until Parliament met to make a decision.

      Roosevelt seemed pleased. It was clear where American sympathies lay, but officially the United States was not supporting any active belligerents in the war. Until Canada’s status was decided, America could hurriedly ship planes and guns north. Canadians would help this war equipment make its way over to Europe.

      King did not tell the American president, his grandfather had told him a few days earlier that Hitler does not want to have war. Nor had Mackenzie wanted the Rebellion.

      However, five days later Parliament held a Special War Session.

      On Sunday, September 10, at the request of his Parliament, King George VI approved the Canadian declaration of war.