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 previously discussed with Mr. in Tokyo. We paid a visit to the devastated areas, and heard statements from the Japanese naval and military authorities regarding recent operations. We also interviewed some of the members of the Chinese Government and leaders of business, educational and other circles, including Canton.

On March 26th, the Commission proceeded to Nanking, some of its members visiting Hangchow on the way. During the following Week, it had the honour of being received by the President of the National Government. Interviews were held with Mr., President of the Executive Yuan; General , Chairman of the Military Council; Dr. , Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. , Minister of Finance; General , Minister of Communications; Mr. , Minister of Education; and other members of the Government.

In order to acquaint ourselves more fully with representative opinion and with conditions existing in various parts of China, we proceeded on April 1st to Hankow, stopping en route at Kiukiang. Some representatives of the Commission visited Ichang, Wanhsien and Chungking in the province of Hupeh and Szechuan.

On April 9th, the Commission arrived at Peiping (as Peking is now called), Where several conferences were held with Marshal and with officials who had been members of the administration in Manchuria until September 18th. Evidence was also given by the Chinese Generals who had been in command of the troops at the barracks at Mukden on the night of September 18th.

Our stay in Peiping was prolonged owing to a difficulty which arose regarding the entry into Manchuria of Dr., the Chinese Assessor.

In proceeding to Manchuria, the Commission divided into two groups, some of the party travelling to Mukden by rail via Shanhaikwan, and the remainder, including Dr. Koo, by sea via Dairen, thus remaining within the Japanese railway area. The objection to Dr. Koo's entry into "Manchukuo" territory was finally withdrawn after the arrival of the Commission in Changchun, the northern terminus of the Japanese railway area.

We remained in Manchuria for about six weeks, visiting Mukden, Changchun, Kirin, Harbin, Dairen, Port Arthur, Anshan, Fushun and Chinchow. We had intended to visit Tsitsihar as well, but, while we were in Harbin, there was continuous fighting in the surrounding districts, and the Japanese military authorities stated that they were unable at that moment to guarantee the safety of the Commission by rail on the western branch of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Accordingly, some members of our staff visited Tsitsihar by air. From there they travelled by the Taonan-Angangchi and Ssupingkai-Taonan Railways and rejoined the main body in Mukden.

During our stay in Manchuia we wrote a Preliminary Report, which we despatched to Geneva on April 29th.

We had numerous conferences with Lieutenant-General, Commander of the Kwantung Army, other military officers, and Japanese consular officials. At Changchun we visited the Chief Executive of "Manchukuo", the former Emperor, , now known by his personal name of Henry. We also had interviews with members of the "Manchukuo" Government, including officials and advisers of Japanese nationality, and Governors of Provinces. Delegations were received from the local population, most of which were presented by the Japanese or "Manchukuo" authorities. In addition to our public meetings, we were able to arrange interviews with a great number of individuals, both Chinese and foreign.