cretariat file 47/811/48. onial Office 54447/2/48.
SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
April, 1949...............
No.
248
52
20.
Your Savingram 1154 of 15th November, 1948. (80) on '48
Claim for compensation in respect of losses in Hong Kong by Captain W.J. Scotcher.
1.
55136/2/2/47 22+
The information contained in my Savingram No.615 of 13th October, 1947, is relevant also to this case. We have investigated Captain Scotcher's claim in respect of his car, but can find no evidence that it was requisitioned apart from his own statement. The practice is to include claims for complete loss in the reparations claim and any claims for hire due are submitted separately accompanied by documentary evidence of requisitioning either to Government or to the Military Authorities.
2.
The Military Pre-occupation Claims and Hirings authorities have no record of the requisitioning of Captain Scotcher's car nor of any claim submitted to them by him. Their procedure is that in the absence of records, claims accompanied by proof of requisitioning are considered and if admitted, hire is paid. In no case is compensation paid for loss.
3.
With regard to Captain Scotcher's statement that his letters have not been answered, it has been ascertained from our records that replies have been sent to all communications received from Captain Scotcher.
4.
The delay in replying to your savingram is
greatly regretted.
RJM:IS