✔
INLAND:
FOREIGN:
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESSES:
MATHESONS, STOCK,
MATHESONS, LONDON.
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
LONDON.
MANSION HOUSE 5161 (6 LINES).
18/47
1914
RECENSI
Dear Creech Jones,
3.
22
164
8
Bombard Street.
1 Street. London. 6.C. 3.
C. O RAY
19th March, 1948.
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 Govern- ment Ministry of Communications. In your reply of 30th June you told me that the War Office were re- sponsible 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 dissatis- faction and surprise that their legitimate claims submitted nearly two years ago, not only remain un- settled, 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 Govern- ment, 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 under- standing.
Yours sincerely,
WKeswich
A. Creech Jones, Esq., M.C.,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
Whitehall, LONDON, S.W.1.