No hard and fast programme has been prepared. The first step will be to discover if the Japanese are prepared to have dealings with the Conference, and also if they will state on what conditions they are prepared to cease hostilities. It will also be necessary to ascertain the terms on which the Chinese Government would be prepared to discuss peace. When these factors are established, it will be possible to estimate the chances of a settlement In a broadcast last night, Dr. Wellington Koo, chief Chinese delegate, declared that the principal fact in the situation was a flagrant violation by Japan of the Nine-Power Treaty. This violation, he added, concerned not only China but other signatories.
Mr, Norman Davis was kept busy seeing the heads of other delegations in an attempt to draw up a formula, although so far all quarters deny that any definite formula has yet been reached.
Some delegates believe the conference could adjourn after a full exchange of ideas, leaving mediation to certain specified Powers. If no action to end hostilities in China is decided, the conference is expected to draw up a declaration stressing the sanctity of treaties and condemning aggression.
Although such a statement would have no material effect, it would at least, it is said, put the nations assembled here on record as morally opposed to Japan's military operations.—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.