Over the Desk Top

The westering sun, shining through old-fashioned green window shades, filled the office on the second floor of Ottawa's East Block with tawny light. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King sat at his desk, smiling. The 30 newsmen who were ushered in at 20 minutes to 4 were expectant, for Mr. King's press conferences are few & far between. The newsmen were not disappointed.

At 4 o'clock, the Prime Minister said he was entraining for Washington to see President Roosevelt. He would spend one night at the White House. He would return to Ottawa within a few days.

The Prime Minister made it clear who some of Canada's delegates to the San Francisco World Security Conference April 25 would be: representatives of the major opposition parties in Canada. When a reporter asked for names, Mr. King sidestepped. He said he felt that the opposition delegates should be picked from among men who sit in the House of Commons. The meaning was unmistakable. Major James Coldwell, leader of the socialist CCF, would go. So, probably, would Gordon Graydon, Parliamentary leader of the Tories. But John Bracken, national Tory leader who is not a member of Parliament, would stay at home.

Prime Minister King also announced that:

P: During his absence from the country, Finance Minister James Lorimer Ilsley would be "Prime Minister."

P: He had appointed Revenue Minister Colin Gibson as Air Minister, to replace Charles Gavan Power, who had resigned. James MacKinnon, Trade & Commerce Minister, would keep that portfolio, said Mr. King, and take on Mr. Gibson's Revenue Ministry too, temporarily.

P: Defense Minister Andrew G. L. Mc-Naughton, who failed to win a seat in Parliament in February's Grey North by-election (TIME, Feb. 12), would be represented in the House of Commons by able Douglas Abbott, who has been Parliamentary Assistant to Finance Minister Ilsley.

P: Mr. King denied rumors that he might seek an extension of Parliament beyond the end of its legal life (April 17). Said he: "I never had any such intention."

At 5 minutes to 4, Prime Minister King rushed out to catch his train.

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