CO129-570-10 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese seizure of the S.S. ASIAN- claims 15-2-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 21

211

situation prevailing at the time, we should be regarded as

bearing the entire responsibility for damages resulting from

it.

With regard to the further question of compensation

for the articles alleged to have been removed from the vessel

during her detention, the Japanese side are quite unable, in

view of the facts that it is stated in the certificate of

receipt signed by the Captain at the time of the vessel's

departure from Mako that he had received everything in statu

quo ante, and that no complaints were made by anybody at the

time of her release, to understand how reservations can be

made at this stage concerning the contents of the certificate.

They regret that they consider that there is no room whatsoever

for further discussion on this subject.

I avail, etc.,

(Signed) Fumimaro Konoye L.S.

Prince:

Minister for Foreign Affairs.