§ 19. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will inform the assembly committee of nineteen regarding the subjects discussed with the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs at Tokio as to a round table conference and the conclusions reached, if any; and whether, in order to guarantee the impartiality of the conference, His Majesty's Government will propose that it should be held at Geneva after the withdrawal of the Japanese troops in Manchuria to the railway zone as part of the settlement of the whole Sino-Japanese conflict?
§ Mr. EDENThe plan proposed by the President of the Council at the Council meeting on 29th February, and accepted by the Chinese and Japanese Governments, was to the effect that, subject to the making of local arrangements for a cessation of hostilities a conference should be immediately set up in Shanghai. It is not possible, therefore, to adopt the suggestion made in the latter part of the hon. Member's question. If and when any conclusion is reached as a result of the confidential discussions which must precede the setting up of any such conference, I have no doubt that the Powers concerned will arrange to keep the League of Nations fully informed.
§ Mr. JONESMay I take it from the answer that it is now quite clear that the Chinese representatives will be present at the conference at Shanghai?