COPY
3 Lombard Street,
London, 1.c.3.
19th March, 1948.
137
Dear Creech Jones,
On 24th June last year I wrote to you personally about War Claims submitted by Jardine, Matheson & Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong, on behalf of the Chinese Government Ministry of Communications. In your reply of 30th June you told me that the War Office were responsible for meeting these claims and that the examination of them was well advanced.
May I trouble you again? During the past nine months I have made frequent enquiries of the War Office, but can obtain no information from them. Meanwhile the Chinese Government express dissatisfaction and surprise that their legitimate claims submitted nearly two years ago, not only remain unsettled, but that no indication is forthcoming as to when a settlement, or as to who is dealing with their requests, may be expected. The claims were submitted to the Hong Kong Colonial Government and claimants must look to that Government for information regarding a settlement. The technique of one Ministry referring creditors to another is a very well honoured custom in China, but somehow they fail to appreciate it when it is adopted by others!
I feel sure you will agree about the importance of maintaining good relations with the Chinese Government, especially under present conditions, and I wonder if I might ask you very kindly to institute enquiries as to the present position of these claims, so that I can pass on definite information to Nanking. Anything you can do to expedite matters will be greatly appreciated. I must apologise for worrying you. The last time I wrote, you were so very helpful and understanding.
Yours sincerely,
(sgd.) W.J. Keswick.
A. Creech Jones, Esq., M.C.,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
Whitehall,
LONDON, S.W.1.