Sir John Simon recovering from illness attends conference of War Ministers at Downing Street . The Prime Minister called a hurried conference of Ministers and members of the War Department at Downing Street on Sunday to discuss the serious situation which has arisen in connection with the Sino Japanese War . Sir John Simon , who has been ill with influenza which has prevented his going to Geneva to attend the opening of the Disarmament Conference , attend the opening of the Disarmament Conference , attended the conference . Sir John Simon leaving 10 Downing Street , London , after the conference . 31 January 1932