CO129-578-12 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping 10-1-1939 - 17-11-1939 — Page 100

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ships had been committed.

His Majesty'a Government

requested disciplinary action against the commander of the Japanese war vessel and a claim for Hr $30,469. in

respect of losses incurred by British subjects was presented.

In a reply dated the 19th September, the Japanese sinister

for Foreign Affairs stated that while the British note

rested on the statements of illiterate fishermen, the

Japanese case was based on the report of a Japanese Naval

Authority. There was no room for consideration of the

question of the responsibility of the Naval Officer con-

cerned, but the Japanese Government would still offer an

ex gratia payment in respect of British subjects on behalf

of whom documentary evidence could be produced showing that

they did not take part in aggressive action.

His Kajesty's Government are, however, still

unable to consider anything produced by the Japanese Govem-

ment in the way of evidence as sufficient to throw doubt on

the findings of the dongkong Commission, and the claim for

50,489. is maintained.

II. Violation of Territorial Paters by a Japanese

Destroyer on the 11th December 1937, Landing

on Hongkong Territory, etc.

At about 2.20 p.m. on the 11th December 1987

a revenue protection vessel of the Chinese Maritime Custome

in British territorial waters off Black Point was fired on

by a Japanese üestroyer from a position just outside terri-

torial waters. The Customs vessel was run aground and,

according to information furnished to the water police

authorities, the Japanese destroyer entered British terri-

torial waters and when about a mile and a half from the

shore lowered two motor boats, which towed the Customs vessel

off. Two unexploded shells were found on the beach and a

/house

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