Page:League of Nations-Appeal by the Chinese Government.pdf/4

 In the course of the discussions that preceded the adoption of this resolution. the Chinese representative expressed the view of his Government that "the best method that may be devised by the Council for securing the prompt and complete withdrawal of the Japanese troops and police and the full re-establishment of the status quo ante is the sending of a neutral commission to Manchuria".

The council held a further session for the consideration of dispute from October 13th to the 24th. In consequence of the opposition of the Japanese representative, unanimity could not be obtained for resolution proposed at thus session.

The Council met again on November 16th in Paris and devoted nearly four weeks to a study of the situation. On November 21st, the Japanese representative, after stating that his Government was anxious that the resolution of September 30th should be observed in the spirit and letter, proposed that a Commission of Enquiry should be sent to the spot. This proposal was subsequently welcomed by all the other Members the Council and, on December 10th, 1931, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

"The Council:

"(1) Reaffirms the resolution passed unanimously by it on September 30th, 1931, by which the two Parties declare that they are solemnly bound; it therefore calls upon the Chinese and Japanese Governments to take all steps necessary to assure its execution so that the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the railway zone may  be effected as speedily as possible under the conditions set forth in the said resolution;

"(2) Considering that events have assumed an even more serious aspect since the Council meeting of October 24th, notes that the two Parties undertake to adopt all measures necessary to avoid any further aggravation of the situation and to refrain from any initiative which may lead to further fighting and loss of life;

"(3) Invites the two Parties to continue to keep the Council informed as to the development of the situation;

"(4) Invites the other Members of the Council to furnish the Council with any information received from their representatives on the spot;

"(5) Without prejudice to the carrying out of the above-mentioned measures;

"Desiring, in view of the special circumstances of the case, to contribute towards a final and fundamental solution by the two Government of the questions at issue between them:

"Decides to appoint a Commission of five members to study on the spot and to report to the Council on any circumstance which, affecting international relations, threatens to disturb peace between China and Japan, or the good understanding between them upon which peace depends;

"The Governments of China and of Japan will each have the right to nominate one Assessor to assist the Commission;

"The two Governments will afford the Commission all facilities to obtain on the spot whatever information it may require;

"It is understood that, should the two Parties initiate any negotiations, these would not fall within the scope of the terms of reference of the Commission, nor would it be within the competence of the Commission to interfere with the military arrangements of either Party;

"The appointment and deliberation of the Commission shall not prejudice in any way the undertaking given by the Japanese Government in the resolution of September 30th as regards the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the railway zone;