§ Mr. LANSBURYI wish to ask the under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any statement he can make in regard to the Sino-Japanese position?
§ Mr. EDENThe proposals for a cessation of hostilities, which I mentioned in reply to the right hon. Gentleman's question on the 1st, of March, were forwarded to the Chinese and Japanese Governments by t heir authorities in Shanghai, and the final reply from the Japanese Government was received in Shanghai last night. On the 1st of March the representative at Nanking of His Majesty's Minister in China was informed by the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs that a retirement of the Chinese troops was intended, and this took place over the whole front yesterday. I am glad to be able to state that, as a result of these events, the Japanese authorities gave orders to cease hostilities as from 2 p.m. to-day, Shanghai time. Sir Howard Kelly, the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, has informed the Chinese accordingly, who have, I understand, agreed to issue similar orders. A further conference will take place in His Majesty's ship "Kent."
The success of these local negotiations must, I feel, be largely attributed to the good offices of Admiral Kelly and Sir Miles Lampson.
While these efforts were being made at Shanghai, the Council was in no way 1281 relaxing its efforts at Geneva for the further liquidation of the situation. As a result, there are good grounds for anticipating that a satisfactory solution will be reached. The House will, I feel sure, appreciate how much this welcome development is due to the initiative taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, which contributed in no small measure to bring the parties together and to facilitate the welcome and invaluable co-operation of the Government of the United States with the Powers represented on the Council.
§ Mr. HANNONI would ask my hon. Friend whether the statement that he has read in relation to the cessation of hostilities in China is not a wonderful tribute to the magnificent diplomatic qualities of the British Navy?