CO129-579-12 Sino-Japanese War- bombing of railway line within leased territories (Shamchun Incident) 21-2-1939 - 17-3-1939 — Page 38

2.

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and that such bombing must have involved a violation

of British Territory. The General continued that the

officer commanding the raiders had stated that he

dropped two bombs at Lo Wu and had to drop two more

because of the wind, and that he then saw a lot of

people running and thinking they were Chinese soldiers

fired about fifty rounds by machine gun. The raider

kept on bombing the train and people because he thought

he was over Chinese Territory. The General added that

the raiders had a printed map, but not so good as the

British maps, and made haste to explain that the rough

sketch map produced was not the one used.

5.

The Japanese Consul then explained that he

did not wish to go into the claim but would pay the

maximum claim as a final acquittance. It was agreed that a round sum of $20,000 should be paid subject to refund to the Japanese authorities of any money

unexpended when all claims had been met.

6.

There followed some discussion arising

apparently out of Japanese language difficulties, as to

whether the payments in the case of Chinese persons should

be described as indemnity or solatium. It was agreed

to adhere to the English word "compensation" which

is used throughout.

7.

The meeting concluded with expressions of

pleasure on both sides that the matter of compensation

had been settled thus amicably. When saying goodbye

General Tanaka speaking in English asked Colonel

Neville to assure General Grasett that such a thing

would "never happen again

Makin

never, never".