League council meets to discuss China , Japan war . The league of Nations Council convened at the mInistry of Foreign affairs in Paris in the most momentous session for years to work out a solution to prevent war between China and Japan over the Manchuria situation . The scene in the Salle d ' Horlorge while M Briand , the French Minister of Foreign Affairs read his opening speech while seated . Left to right Dr Sze of China , M Lerroux , Spain , M Von Bulow , Germany , M Scialoja , Italy , M Aristide Briand , Viscount Cecil , Sir John Simon , M Yoshizawa , Japan , M Fotitch , Yugoslavia , M Zaleski , Poland . 17 November 1931 11 February 1932