Copy.
K/G:MT.
37.
CONFIDENTIAL.
COPY TO COLONIAL OFFICE FOR FOREIGN OFFICE.
Sir,
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
22nd July, 1938.
31
I have the honour to refer to Your Excellency's
letter No. 34 of the 18th of June, 1938, and to forward
for your information and to enable you to answer the
points made in the note from the Japanese Minister for
Foreign Affairs, the accompanying copy of a further
letter received from Messrs. Williamson and Company,
Hong Kong, General Managers of the Ling Nam Steam Ship
Company Limited, regarding their claim in respect of
losses and damage arising out of the detention by
Japanese naval forces of the Ling Nam Steam Ship Company's
ship "ASIAN".
2.
The Harbour Master, Hong Kong, who conducts
the local Registry of Shipping, has confirmed the
statements in Messrs. Williamson's letter in so far as
they relate to registration and its complete regularity
in this case, and also the fact that no certificate of
transfer is issued to a British ship on transfer of
ownership.
HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S AMBASSADOR,
TOKYO.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency's most obedient
(Sgd.) N.L. SMITH.
servant,
Governor.