CO129-570-8 Sino-Japanese War- sinking of Chinese fishing boats by Japanese vessel 31-1-1938 - 22-12-1938 — Page 21

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pressure to bear upon Japan over this issue, and

that being so, I feel very reluctantly that the

best thing we can do is to attempt to obtain

compensation for the destitute survivors of the

incident, as H.M. Ambassador proposes. Quite

I

how documents are to be produced showing that

they did not take part in aggressive action, I

do not know, except in so far as we can rely upon

the findings of the Hong Kong Commission.

suggest that we should probably have to rely

upon the production of certificates of British

nationality being produced in Hong Kong and the

presentation of those documents by H.M.

Ambassador, with a reference to the findings of

the Hong Kong Commission as showing that those

concerned did not take part in aggressive action.

We must presumably at the same time maintain our

own version of the facts, though this is really

nothing but a face-saving device.

As far as publication of the report is

concerned, I agree that there is little to be

gained by publishing it now.

? Reply that in the present circumstances

the S. of S. feels that

nothing would be gained by or in problication of the commun wher

pressing the British version of the facts and that

he is prepared to agree to the course suggested by

H.M. Ambassador.

mbass:

And ask that any reply which is

sent to his last telegram should be repeated to

Hong Kong.

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