44
F 8125/4880/10.
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
19th October, 1937.
Sir,
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Eden to make the
following communication on the subject of the Foreign
Office Memorandum regarding claims arising out of the
present hostilities in China.
2. As explained in paragraph 4 of the Memorandum
in question His Majesty's Government do not consider that
any useful purpose would be served by presenting claims
to the Japanese Government based on the contention that
the Japanese military action as a whole in Shanghai was
illegal as such. At the same time there can be no
objection to British firms compiling and lodging with
His Majesty's Consular officers in China, should they
desire to do so, statements of claims in respect of
damages arising outside Classes I and II. Instructions
have already been sent to His Majesty's Ambassador in
China that British subjects who desiredto adopt this course
should not be dissuaded from doing so but that they should
be warned that the chances of recovery were highly
problematical.
3. Inquiries have been made as to the attitude of
other governments principally concerned and the results
so far reveal an attitude substantially in accord with
that of His Majesty's Government.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Secretary,
British Association
of Chambers of Com: erae.
The Secretary
Peder ti n of British Industries.
The Secretary,
Chineesociation.
The Secretary,
Manchester Chamber of Coster The Bearetery,
London Chamber of Com ́erce.
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