CO129-585-1 Sino-Japanese conflict- attacks on shipping 25-1-1940 - 2-10-1940 — Page 168

MEMORANDUM

BOARDING OF MERCHANT VESSELS WING SANG & KWONG HING.

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With reference to your representation in connection with

these matters on January 31st, I have now received information

regarding the circumstances of these cases and I have the

honour to reply as follows.

I take this opportunity to mention that while Great

Britain has encroached upon the peaceful trade of 3rd Powers

during the current European War by proclaiming war contraband

and introducing the Order in Council relating to the Seizure

of German Exports, and has been responsible for the ASAMA-

MARU Incident in a position far removed from the area of

hostilities, Japan is carrying out operations under conditions

of difficulty imposed by the respect shown to the peaceful

trade of 3rd Powers, in spite of the fact that she is engaged

in large-scale hostilities. I request you will not lose sight

of these circumstances.

1.

Boarding of WING SANG

With regard to the armed boarding party, the boat's

crew, who were under arms, went on board with the boarding

party as a precaution against possible resistance by the

Chinese.

The fact that the boarding was carried out at night

was an additional reason for this precaution.

With regard to the failure to sign the log-book, it is

the custom of the Japanese Navy, in accordance with international

procedure, to sign the log-book if the master of the

ship does not object.

It appears that in this instance,

owing to some mistake, this action was omitted.

This omission being contrary to the custom of the Japanese

Navy, I beg to inform you that proper steps have been taken

to prevent any recurrence.

It appears to be true that the boarding was carried out

in/