important step was taken during the week towards making the present cessation of the Sino-Japanese hostilities definite and the withdrawal of Japanese forces, when as the result of repeated lengthy discussions held between the representatives of the contending parties, it was agreed that the Chinese forces should remain where they are at present, while the Japanese forces would withdraw according to a programme to be drawn up at a later discussion. It was also agreed that a Joint Commission composed of the Chinese, Japanese, British, American, French and Italian diplomatic and military representatives should be appointed to certify that the above two conditions are fulfilled, 'Throughout the negotiations, the British Minister to China (Sir Miles Lampson) and also' the representatives of other foreign Powers have.lent their energetic initiative and support to the "pace" moves. The venue of these important Aiscussions has been the local British Consulate-General. Two conferences were held here during last week and also another tone on Monday (March 21) when the the above proposals were agreed to as a basis for further negotiations.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.