Copy Ronald
Anad
Hong Kong.
Lil
3 hofpic
Government House,
March 8th, 1939.
My dean Cowell,
I hope that the Powers That Be approve of
the settlement which we made with the Japanese Military
Authorities for the Shum Chun bombing. Locally, I know,
the Chinese tend to think that we let the Japanese down
too easily, and I have heard somewhat similar views
expressed by Europeans.
was to exact the just amount without anything for moral
damage or in the way of punishment. That seemed to me
the only dignified course: I am sure that if we had
asked for one hundred thousand dollars the Japanese
would have paid without demur, so anxious were they to
settle the matter on our terms: but I did not think it
The principle on which we acted
consistent with British prestige to open ourselves to
an accusation of 'tizzy-snatching' in a matter such as
this: moreover, I felt convinced that a strictly
moderate demand for compensation would impress the
Japanese more, and in the better way, than would have
one for heavy damages.
H. R. Cowell, Esq., C.M.G.,
Colonial office,
LONDON, S.W.1.