54447/2/49.
14
65
✅
March, 1949.
sir,
I am directed by Er. Secretary Creech Jones to refer to yout letter of the 20th December, addressed to the Board of Trade, concerning war damage losses in Hong Kong and to confirm that the Government of Hong Kong has decided that no compensation shall be paid by that Government in respect of damage to property due to the war.
In answer to the last paragraph of your letter I enclose a statement from which it will be seen that United Kingdom British subjects who were in captivity and have returned to set up a home permanently in this country, can apply for grants within the limits of the United Kingdom Private Chattels Scheme. That restricted form of assistance by His Majesty's Government is to meet certain cases of losses by individuals, but His Majesty's Government is unable to consider as a charge on United Lingdom funds any more general form of compensation for war damage to property in Hong Kong.
I
am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
THE SECRETARY,
MESORS. LABIS AND TAYLOR COMPANY
BARGY