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dare to take the initiative in attacking a Japanese naval
vessel. But it is a definitely established fact that
there have been several instances, not only in this case
but before and after it, where these Chinese armed junks
have challenged with guns of old type or rifles small
Japanese naval craft at the time of their inspection of
the junks.
There is then, as hitherto, absolutely no room
for consideration by our side of the question of the
responsibility in regard to this case of the Imperial
Naval Commanding Officer concerned. But it is regretted
if there are British subjects who have suffered losses,
and, with reference to the question of their compensation,
I therefore desire to state our stipulations, which remain
unalterable as before, namely that we shall not grudge the
offer of a form of ex gratia payment to those of the
wrecked fishermen, in respect of whom documents containing
clear evidence establishing that they did not take part in
this aggressive action and that they are natives of British
territory, have been presented by the British side in
response to the request contained in the memorandum sent
to Your Excellency on the 29th January, 1938.
I avail, etc.
(sgd) Kazushige Ugaki (L.S.)
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
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