(Contimued from page 5)
The French Government, he went on, had stated they welcomed the British Government's intention as they welcomed, in general, anything which could contribute to the improvement of relations between Great Britain and Italy.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister read two messages received from the heads of the Commonwealth and Union Governments, Mr. Joseph Lyons, the Prime Minister of Australia, said that his Government was convinced that the Anglo-Italian Agreement should be brought into operation forthwith, as a contribution to peace, and that de jure recognition should be accorded to the Italian conquest of Abyssinia.
The withdrawal of 10000 Italian from Spain, continued the me emed to the Australian Go ernment to be a real contribution, and, in its opinion, a peaceful and friendly Mediterranean was essential in the present condition of the world.
To refuse de jure recognition would seem to ignore facts and to risk danger over a matter which was now immaterial General J. B. M. Herr Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, declared that he felt the step was wise and necessary, and that it would materially contribute to appeasement in Europe.
It will be observed," Mr. Chamberlain pointed out, "how, in both of these messages, the Prime Ministers of Australia and South Africa have the edge of the former British Concession, at 9 o'clock in the morning. He was accompanied by his staff officers who included Colonel Prince Tsunenori Kaya.
To the blare of trumpets, the Japanese Commander-in-Chief passed in review a guard of honour which comprised the two army units which first penetrated into Hankow ten days ago.
General Hata, thin and slightly stooped, presented a striking contrast to the stocky infantrymen whose mud-stained and hastily patched campaign uniforms bespoke of the hardships encountered on the way.
The Commander-in-Chief proceeded by car to his headquarters along a Toute lined with more Japanese troops. The Japanese forces subsequently marched to the music of a military band along the former British Bund. Prince Higashi-kuni arrived soon afterwards by air from his field headquarters.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.