CO129-570-10 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese seizure of the S.S. ASIAN- claims 15-2-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 31

Copy.

K/G:MT.

37.

CONFIDENTIAL.

COPY TO COLONIAL OFFICE FOR FOREIGN OFFICE.

Sir,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONG KONG.

22nd July, 1938.

31

I have the honour to refer to Your Excellency's

letter No. 34 of the 18th of June, 1938, and to forward

for your information and to enable you to answer the

points made in the note from the Japanese Minister for

Foreign Affairs, the accompanying copy of a further

letter received from Messrs. Williamson and Company,

Hong Kong, General Managers of the Ling Nam Steam Ship

Company Limited, regarding their claim in respect of

losses and damage arising out of the detention by

Japanese naval forces of the Ling Nam Steam Ship Company's

ship "ASIAN".

2.

The Harbour Master, Hong Kong, who conducts

the local Registry of Shipping, has confirmed the

statements in Messrs. Williamson's letter in so far as

they relate to registration and its complete regularity

in this case, and also the fact that no certificate of

transfer is issued to a British ship on transfer of

ownership.

HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S AMBASSADOR,

TOKYO.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient

(Sgd.) N.L. SMITH.

servant,

Governor.