-ɔ. 136(18/78D(1)/40)
NOTE VERBALE
88
His Majesty's Embassy present their complimenta
to the Imperial Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
have the honour to refer to their Note Verbale No. 97 of
the 10th May, regarding interference with Hong Kong junks
by armed Japanese vessels.
2. It is now reported that a British owned fishing
junk, 4267 H.C., while fishing off Ling Ting Island, was
attacked at about 3 p.m. on the 23rd April by a Japanese
motor boat, painted white and flying no flag, which came
from the direction of Ling Ting Island. Six Japanese,
dressed in blue uniform and armed with short swords, boarded
the junk, searched it and removed two rifles and 150 rounds
of rifle ammunition. The motor boat then sailed away
toward Sam Min.
3. The waters near Ling Ting Island, immediately
south of the Island of Hong Kong, are one of the nearest
fishing grounds for the important Hong Kong fishing tow
of Aberdeen. The owner of the junk was licensed to carry
a small amount of arms to defend his craft against pirates
and robbers. In the circumstances, His Majesty's Embassy
are bound to point out that the use of foree by Japanese
vessels in restriction of lawful fishing operatione in this
area is quite unwarranted.
4./