§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the overflowing of the Yellow River in China and the widespread waste and suffering resulting from this and the Sino-Japanese war, he will take immediate steps directly through the League of Nations, or in concert with the United States of America and other Powers, to propose to the Chinese and Japanese Governments the immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of the Japanese forces, and the offer of assistance, other than military, to the Chinese Government for the restoration of civil life and order, and to both Governments for the meeting of their legitimate economic needs?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government would gladly take any steps in their power, either alone or in conjunction with other Powers, which would be likely to lead to a cessation of hostilities in China as a preliminary of an equitable peace settlement. They have, however, no information which would lead them to suppose that any proposal which involved the withdrawal of the Japanese forces would be likely to be accepted as a basis906W for mediation. As recently as 17th June, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs stated publicly that he did not think it possible for any Power to mediate between China and Japan.