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however, more doubtful whether the terms quoted above of the Treaty
would entitle the owners to conduct the salvage through foreign
instrumentality rather than through local British salvage agencies,
5. It is true that in 1937, at a time when the local British
firms were all very busy as a consequence of the disastrous typhoon
in September of that year, a Japanese salvage company was permitted
to salve the Asama Maru, but in view of the deterioration in the
international situation since that time, the local Naval and Military
Authorities are most strongly of the opinion that the present is not
the time to allow the Japanese facilities to establish a salvage
undertaking in a position so strategical as that held by the island
of Waglan. I am not aware that the Japanese would be willing to
allow British salvage companies to operate in similar strategical
regions in Japanese waters and it is well known that they refused
permission for foreign salvage companies to operate on the United
States of America S.S. "President Hoover", when she stranded off the
coast of Formosa at the end of 1937.
6. I should accordingly be glad if I might be authorised by
telegraph to refuse the application. The local Japanese Consulate
has also made a request in this behalf and is suggesting that next
month would be a favourable time to undertake the work. Refusal
could be made effective by denying any permission for the anchoring or mooring of vessels in the waters of the Colony, landing of gear, or import and storage of dynamite for this purpose.
7. I am sending a copy of this despatch to the British
Ambassador at Tokyo.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
LA hathcon Governor.
The