CO129-585-1 Sino-Japanese conflict- attacks on shipping 25-1-1940 - 2-10-1940 — Page 202

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LAI FUK, 38 years, coxswain, Steam Launch SAI KUNG, further

states:-

I was on duty at the wheel of the SAI KUNG

throughout the voyage on 21.1.40.

When I first sighted the Japanese trawler with the KWONG HING and the junk, they were in a position approximately 300 yards to the East of Conic Island.

They were still in this position when my launch passed between Conic Island and the mainland. This was about 16.30 hours and I saw the trawler was lying about 30 feet East of the KWONG HING, all the craft were stationary.

I saw quite plainly that the KWONG HING was flying

the British Red Ensign at the stern, and I could see the Union Jack painted on the port side of the KWONG HING, I was unable to see the starboard side of the launch.

certain I saw these flags.

I am

I could also see the Japanese Mercantile Flag

flying at the stern of the trawler.

About a quarter of an hour after passing Conic

Island, we were near SAU SZE MUN, I looked back and saw the

three craft under way heading for SAM MUN.

I cannot say

if the trawler was towing or not, but she was ahead of the

others.

This was the last I saw of them and they were

then approximately 2 miles to East of Conic Island, heading

East.

I have seen the KWONG HING in Hong Kong many times

during the past 2 years.

To my knowledge she has always had a Union Jack

painted on port and starboard side of her bridge and she

always flies the British Red Ensign.

(sgd) S. Shepheard.

Divisional Inspector South.

1.3.40.