TR/EB.
35
being satisfied the sale was a bona-fide one to British
owners that British Registry was approved.
The Naval Officer in charge of the Boarding
Party was aware that the vessel had just left Hongkong,
and that everything must have been in order, to get
clearance from this British Port, and had there been any
doubt in his mind, a short radio message to the
Authorities would have cleared the matter promptly, and
would also have avoided the wrongful detention of the
vessel, and the seizure of her stores. We definitely
maintain that the vessel's papers were in order, as a
British vessel, and this is confirmed by the Registrar
of Shipping and the Hon. Harbourmaster at Hongkong.
As the British Registry was definitely in
order, there was no justification whatever for detaining
the vessel, or for any doubt existing regarding the
vessel's nationality, and consequently, we cannot agree
that any responsibility for losses sustained through
detention of the ship, rests with us as owners.
Regarding the question of articles removed from
the vessel while on the way to Mako, the Captain confirms
his statement in this connection, also that the receipt
he signed was only for return of the ship's papers, and
his own private papers removed from the ship.
We regret having to make our reply so lengthy,
but trust we have made the position clear, and it will
enable His Excellency, the British Ambassador at Tokyo,
to successfully press our claim.
We have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servants,
FOR WILLIAMSON & CO.
(Sgd.) T. RAMSAY.
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