CO129-570-10 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese seizure of the S.S. ASIAN- claims 15-2-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 55

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STATEMENT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.

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When the Japanese boarded the S. S. "ASIAN", they

placed 2 Artificers, one officer, and two ratings in the stoke- hold, and at night time their staff took charge - an officer telling the Chief Engineer that he would look after the Engine Room. The Chinese Firemen and Greasers were still on watch, but they were supplemented by the Japanese Engineers. A Japanese Engineer, was also standing by the throttle valve. The Engines were fully opened up and racing very heavily all the time, apparently the Destroyer escort wishing the maximum speed to be maintained, possibly thinking that a British war vessel might come on the scene. On arrival at the Pescadores a new guard relieved the staff from the Destroyer.

On the first day after arrival in the Pescadores, the H. P. drag link was removed and the steering engine control valve dismantled also the No.4 main bearing keep and brass was removed. Two days after arrival the Japanese came on board and removed the H.P., I.P., and L.P. Cylinder covers.

During detention the Japanese guard consisted of

three men who were continuously on guard, two being in the Engine Room, and one in the Engineer's alley-way. This continued until the ship was released.

Due to the excessive racing of the engines, the main condenser discharge pipe was broken in four places, also the deck service pipe in the Engine Rom; and due to the maximum speed the vessel was compelled to maintain, the boilers used 29 tons of coal per day. We had 30 tons of coal remaining on board on arrival at Hong Kong the total amount of coal used

for the round trip being 180 tons.

When the vessel was first boarded, the Japanese

Officers thoroughly searched the Chief Engineer's cabin, also