CO129-570-10 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese seizure of the S.S. ASIAN- claims 15-2-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 35

TR/EB.

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being satisfied the sale was a bona-fide one to British

owners that British Registry was approved.

The Naval Officer in charge of the Boarding

Party was aware that the vessel had just left Hongkong,

and that everything must have been in order, to get

clearance from this British Port, and had there been any

doubt in his mind, a short radio message to the

Authorities would have cleared the matter promptly, and

would also have avoided the wrongful detention of the

vessel, and the seizure of her stores. We definitely

maintain that the vessel's papers were in order, as a

British vessel, and this is confirmed by the Registrar

of Shipping and the Hon. Harbourmaster at Hongkong.

As the British Registry was definitely in

order, there was no justification whatever for detaining

the vessel, or for any doubt existing regarding the

vessel's nationality, and consequently, we cannot agree

that any responsibility for losses sustained through

detention of the ship, rests with us as owners.

Regarding the question of articles removed from

the vessel while on the way to Mako, the Captain confirms

his statement in this connection, also that the receipt

he signed was only for return of the ship's papers, and

his own private papers removed from the ship.

We regret having to make our reply so lengthy,

but trust we have made the position clear, and it will

enable His Excellency, the British Ambassador at Tokyo,

to successfully press our claim.

We have the honour to be

Sir,

Your obedient servants,

FOR WILLIAMSON & CO.

(Sgd.) T. RAMSAY.

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