London, Oct, 22.
The distress of His Majesty at the sufferings of non-combatants in the Sino-Japanese conflict was mentioned in the King's speech on the prorogation of Parliament read in the House of Lords this morning by the Lord Chancellor before members of both Houses, Parliament will reassemble on Tuesday when the King will make a speech in person in the House of Lords, "I have seen with the greatest concern," His Majesty said, "the development of the hostilities between China and Japan. The suf-forings which have been inflicted upon innocent non-combatants by attacks from the air and at sea have caused me particular distress. I trust that the conference of Powers which is shortly to be called together may contribute to bring this deplorable conflict to an end."
The Speech expressed Their Majesties' deep satisfaction at the loyalty and affection manifested on the occasion of the Coronation.
"The significance of this ceremony," the King said, "was emphasized by the presence of the Prime Ministers of my Dominions and the representatives of my Empire in India and every part of my Empire overseas."
"The deliberations of the Imperial Conference, which followed immediately after the Coronation?" His Majesty continued, "afforded ample. evidence of the value of such meetings for the discussion of matters of common concern, and I earnestly trust that their result may enhance the security as well as the prosperity and happiness of my peoples in all parts of the British Commonwealth of nations."
Reference was also made to the successful outcome of the Montreux Conference for the abolition of capitulations in Egypt and the Nyon Conference, while a note was made of the fact that the London Naval Treaty of 1936 had now been ratified by all signatories and that bilateral naval agreements between Britain and Germany and between Britain and Soviet Russia were concluded.
Regarding the rearmament programme, the Speech said: "The heavy burden of it is, to some extent, lightened by the continued growth in trade and employment and the saving and purchasing power among my people."
The Speech, in conclusion, reviewed various legislative measures passed during the session, including the Physical Training and Recreation Act, to which the King assented "with particular pleasure.'—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.