"There have been repeated ruthless bombings of civilians and women and children refugees in various railway stations. Even the diplomatic representatives of a friendly Power on official business away from the actual battle area have been bombed and machine-gunned by Japanese planes, "Japan's utter disregard of international law and common humanity respecting non-combatants is a disgrace to civilization."
After references to the Japanese fleet's "daily bombardments of both areas at Shanghai, overflowing with civilians, and congested, industrial Pootung," and the "illegal blockade of the China coast," the statement says:
"The Far Eastern crisis has now definitely developed into a world crisis. Japan's aggression not only threatens the independent territorial integrity of China, but is also menace ing the peace of the world.
"Therefore it is the belief of the Chinese Government and people that the League should undertake effective measures to stop the intolerable continuance of Japan's aggression and her atrocious activities in China and to uphold interngjional treaties.
"They also hope that the United States of America will associate herself with the actions of the League and that other non-member nations with Far Eastern interests will likewise contribute to general efforts to check Japanese aggression and bring about peace."—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.