Ottawa, Ont., May 30, 1916.
Memorandum for the
Chief of the General staff:
On the "New Republic" being brought to our attention in October last, we addressed a series of questions to the Consul for China, for Western Canada, at Vancouver, in order to discover whether this newspaper (an avowed opponent of the Chinese Government) was in the habit of printing matter which would bring it within the operation of the Canadian Press Censorship. I attach copy of his reply. We have received no further report from him.
The matter enclosed with the letter of the District Officer Commanding M.D. No. 11, while displaying very bitter feeling against the Chinese Government, does not appear to include anything which would render the newspaper liable under the terms of the Press Censorship Order-in-Council.
It would no doubt be advisable to keep this newspaper under observation; but it is probable that the surveillance of the Chinese Consul, who has been given details as to the matters under which this office would be competent to take action, and who seems anxious to have the newspaper suppressed, will be sufficient.
Press Censor,
For Chief Press Censor.