Geneva, Oct, 9.
China to-day notified the' League of Nations.of her willingness to take in any international conference on, the present Sino-Japanese situation. United Press.
Turning to the situation in Spain end China, Mr. Chamberlain said that although no formal declaration of war had yet been made, there were in fact two major wars proceeding—in Spain and China—and both were characterized by the use of bombing aeroplanes.
In both cases, he declared, "noncombatants have been killed and mutilated by aerial weapons which, we are told, were aimed at military objectives but which, in no case, can be considered.instruments of preci-
Tt is a sickening and horrifying spectacle, from which the mind revolts" stated the Prime Minister, "and which has aroused in many countries the strongest feelings of indignation at its inhumanity and sympathy with the helpless victims. Yet it seems to me there is some danger lest these natural human feelings should miss the real point at which they should be directed.
"Cruelty and barbarity, mutilation and death of non-combatants, destruction of property, and starvation and misery are the inevitable accompaniments of modern warfare. The real crime against humanity goes further back. It lies in resorting to force at all in contradiction of engagements solemnly entered into without even an attempt to settle differences by peaceful discussion or negotiation."
As to the Far East, Mr. Chamberlain proceeded, on the initiative of the League of Nations Assembly, it was proposed to hold a conference of the signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty and other Powers with interests in that region.
After Mr. Roosevelt's speech, there was little doubt that the United States would agree to be represented and to consult with other members as to how the conflict in China might be ended.
The Prime Minister considered it premature to commit the Government to any particular course of action, but said their governing objective now, as always, was the restoration and maintenance of peace, to secure which they would gladly ce-operate in any helpful plan-Mr, Chamberlain's remarks about China were listened to with the deepest attention, and his reference to President Roosevelt's action was warmly received.
British Rearmament
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.