CO129-585-1 Sino-Japanese conflict- attacks on shipping 25-1-1940 - 2-10-1940 — Page 88

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NOTE VERBALE

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His Majesty's Embassy present their complimenta

to the Imperial Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

have the honour to refer to their Note Verbale No. 97 of

the 10th May, regarding interference with Hong Kong junks

by armed Japanese vessels.

2. It is now reported that a British owned fishing

junk, 4267 H.C., while fishing off Ling Ting Island, was

attacked at about 3 p.m. on the 23rd April by a Japanese

motor boat, painted white and flying no flag, which came

from the direction of Ling Ting Island. Six Japanese,

dressed in blue uniform and armed with short swords, boarded

the junk, searched it and removed two rifles and 150 rounds

of rifle ammunition. The motor boat then sailed away

toward Sam Min.

3. The waters near Ling Ting Island, immediately

south of the Island of Hong Kong, are one of the nearest

fishing grounds for the important Hong Kong fishing tow

of Aberdeen. The owner of the junk was licensed to carry

a small amount of arms to defend his craft against pirates

and robbers. In the circumstances, His Majesty's Embassy

are bound to point out that the use of foree by Japanese

vessels in restriction of lawful fishing operatione in this

area is quite unwarranted.

4./