CO129-570-10 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese seizure of the S.S. ASIAN- claims 15-2-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 53

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places, also the deck service pipe owing to the heavy rolling at this time. We arrived at 6.30 p.m. on the 11th at Hoke Retto, Pescadores, a Japanese Naval base and anchored under the forts. We were then ordered to pack our gear preparatory to landing, but on account of the late hour, and exceedingly bad weather, heavy gale with rain squalls, at my request we were allowed to remain in the ship pending investigation next day. All ship's mpers were taken ashore and the ship remained under a strong armed guard.

At 10 a.m. on 12th the Investigation Committee came on board and I was cross questioned from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.. The Committee consisted of the Legal Japanese Advisers to the Japanese Navy and Naval and Military Staff Officers. A Naval Commander with another Officer then searched my cabin, taking in addition to the ship's papers already in their possession all my private letters and correspondence. Each Officer of the ship was subjected to the same treatment and each

in turn questioned. This was a daily occurrence, the same questions being asked. In addition the W.T.Operator and Firemen were called and questioned.

The steering gear was disconnected and the H.P. drag link taken ashore, thus putting the Main Engines out of action. Their Engine Room Staff then opened up the L.P. H.P. and I.P. Cylinders and No.4 Main bearing. We were continually under guard and surfered much annoyance, inconvenience and

embarrassment.

At 1.30 p.m. on Saturday 19th the Legal Adviser and Committee came on board and informed me that he was glad to say that the ship was released.

The ship's papers and private correspondence was returned to the ship at 3.30 p.m. and the Main Engines and Steering Gear parts connected up. We immediately commenced

to raise steam.