"The position in the Far East will continue to engage the earnest attention of my government, who will persist in their policy of attempting, in ce-operation with other governments, whether members of the League of Nations or not, to mitigate the suffering caused by the conflict and bring it to a conclusion.
"I am looking forward with interest and pleasure to the time when it will be possible for me to visit my Indian Empire."
His Majesty said that the expansion and equipment of the defence forces was now making rapid progress and a bill was being brought forward to ensure that energetic steps are taken to complete the measures for the protection of the civilian population against air raids.
The outlook for trade and industry, said His Majesty; remained favourable and there is every indication that the progress made last year will be maintained.
Coming legislation, he said, will include bills to provide for the unification of coal royalties under national control, the prevention of frauds in share dealings and better provisions for preventing abuses of the law relating to clubs.
His Majesty added that a comprehensive publicity campaign was being undertaken to ensure the fullest. use of the public health services and to encourage their expansion—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.