211
situation prevailing at the time, we should be regarded as
bearing the entire responsibility for damages resulting from
it.
With regard to the further question of compensation
for the articles alleged to have been removed from the vessel
during her detention, the Japanese side are quite unable, in
view of the facts that it is stated in the certificate of
receipt signed by the Captain at the time of the vessel's
departure from Mako that he had received everything in statu
quo ante, and that no complaints were made by anybody at the
time of her release, to understand how reservations can be
made at this stage concerning the contents of the certificate.
They regret that they consider that there is no room whatsoever
for further discussion on this subject.
I avail, etc.,
(Signed) Fumimaro Konoye L.S.
Prince:
Minister for Foreign Affairs.