Sec. 7230/45.
AC: omr
qr.
SAVINGRAM
To Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date 15th December 1948.
No. 856
Your savingram No.1178 of the 23rd November, 1948.
Rosary Hill.
55
14
(15)
Discussions have now been initiated with local representatives of the Spanish Procuration, who have never submitted a clear claim to this Government.
2.
It has been indicated by Mr. Zindel that a great part of the damage to the building occurred during the period from 8th December, 1941 to 25th February, 1942 when it was occupied by British troops, and this is confirmed by one of the Spanish Fathers who was in residence throughout the whole war and occupation period. The Procurator General is therefore being pressed to submit a statement of claim in respect of all damage caused, and to indicate the amount caused during the period ending on the 25th February, 1942. When this statement is received, consideration will be given to the question of this Government accepting liability for damage during the period of occupation by the International Red Cross and subsequently, and in the meanwhile I should be grateful if you would approach the War Office with a view to their authorising the local military authorities to accept liability for damage caused by military personnel.
3.
Claimants will approach Mr. Zindel to obtain his help in apportioning damage between the two periods. The total claim will probably be in the neighbourhood of $40,000.