NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING 
FRIENDS OF THE MACKENZIE PAPINEAU BATT'N 
Toronto, April 6, 1939. 8:15 P. M. 
A meeting of the National Committee of the “Friends” took place on 
the above date at Room 3, Y. M. C. A. Building. Twenty-two members were 
present and Rev. Father R. H. Thomas presided. The agenda was as 
follows: 
1. Report on Rehabilitation Campaign - J. Taylor 
2. Report on Kardash-Buhay Tour - Beckie Buhay 
3. Report on Toronto situation - Miss B. Colle 
4. Future Work. 
Mr. Taylor's Report. 
Since the major facts and figures given by Mr. Taylor are set forth 
in these materials at some length, it is only necessary here to give a 
very brief resume of his remarks. He dealt with the number of men 
returned, medical care, etc., the salient features throughout the coun-
try of the three months campaign, an analysis of the financial report 
(an audited copy of which is attached). He emphasized the splendid work 
throughout the Dominion done by all committees and many hundreds of in-
dividuals in the task of rehabilitating the returned veterans of the 
Spanish war and the great movement generated on their behalf and on be-
half of Spain and democracy. 
The main problem that confronted the National Committee of the 
“Friends” before the campaign started was to get the Canadians back home, 
to provide for them on their return. Successful negotiations regarding 
the unhindered return of the men to Canada was carried on with the 
government at Ottawa, particularly the Immigration Department, which 
cooperated very well. Mr. A. A. Macleod was sent by us to Spain in 
order to straighten out difficulties that had arisen regarding funds for 
the steamship fares and was successful in his mission. The Committee 
here had to furnish the railroad fares for the men to their homes and 
provide for all their other needs. The financial report only shows in 
part the extent of the support, since an enormous amount of support 
came in the form of clothing, food, rooms, medical assistance, etc. As the 
statement shows, administration costs were kept as low as possible. 
At present there is still an important problem of getting back the 
prisoners and a number of men stranded in France, possibly one hundred 
in all. Again Mr. MacLeod kindly consented to leave for Europe and see 
what can be done to solve this problem. 
Mr. Taylor stated that it was his belief that the “Friends” had 
performed the main job they had set for themselves. The problem now 
was to find ways and means of dealing with the concrete disability cases 
in each locality. He, therefore, made the following proposals: 
1. That the National Committee be reduced to operate on a minimum 
of expenses with only two officials in charge who will do their 
own technical and stenographic work.