-Reference to Situation in China in the King's Speech from the Throne London, Fel His Majesty the King, in the course of the Speech from the Throne on the opening of Parliament to-day, said:
"My relations with the foreign Powers continue friendly. It is the constant effort of my Government, with the ce-operation of the League of Nations, to secure a settlement of international differences and promote the cause of peace.
"I have invited Afghanistan to visit and look forward to wi Majesty, It will be a particular pleasure to receive His Majesty on his first visit to Europe.
"The position in China has so far Smproved as to permit large re-auctions in the naval and military forces sent to protect British and Indian subjects and the Concessions, but internal disturbances, civil wars and the consequent insecurity of life and property, both Chinese and for~ eign, still cause anxiety. Despite these discouraging circumstances my Government adhere to their de-aration of policy a year ago as the basis on which they are prepared to meet Chinese aspirations when the Chinese can assure satisfactory protection to British lives and property.
"Phe United States Government on December 29 communicated to my Ambassador at Washington, as the basis for negotiation, the draft of a new treaty of arbitration to replace the Treaty of Arbitration of 1908, The draft is carefully and sympathetically being studied by my Government and will be considered in communication with my Governments in my Domini "Although conditions in some of the principal industries continue to cause serious anxiety, I am glad to observe many encouraging signs of progressive improvement, both in home and external trade, Justify-{ng the hope that, with ce-operation and good-will, steady progress will made in the coming year.
"My Ministers are now inquiring into the possibility of relieving industry and agriculture of the burdens of local rates and the changes in local government theroby involved. Proposals will be sub. mitted amending parliamentary and Jocal government franchise" and measures will be presented relative to national health insurance and the increasing of credit facilities to agriculturists."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.