CO129-585-2 Sino-Japanese conflict- release of captured British ships 6-3-1940 - 2-10-1940 — Page 25

вору

36 (22)

80 (231

TELEGRAM (R CODE) from the

RECEIVED

-5 JUN 1940

TOP

21

25

C.C. REG officer Administering

the Government of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the

Colonies.

Dated 5th June. Received 8.30 a.m. 5th June,1940.

Addressed to Tokyo No. 32 repeated to Secretary of State for

the Colonies, No. 308.

Copies to Shanghai, Shanghai Commander in Chief,Chungking. Your telegram No. 14 Saving,

Japanese Consul General Hong Kong indicates that release of

Sagres in good running order might be effected at an early date if owners waived claims for demurrage and other charges. Owners

are willing to agree provided British Authorities consider it

politic on following conditions:

(1) Vessel to be delivered in Hong Kong in good running order and seaworthy in very respectwith complete equipment as at the time of seizure, anything missing to be replaced or paid

for by Japanese within three months of release.

(2) Vessel to be surveyed in dry dock in Hong Kong by British

if Corporation Surveyors and kg necessary Japanese Government Surveyor and bottom or other damage sustained during detention

to be made good or paid for by Japanese.

(3) Vessel to be delivered in Hong Kong within reasonable time say three weeks of final acceptance of Japanese offer.

(4) Owners in agreeing to this arrangement do not mean to imply that they in any way recognise her seizure as being

justified or legal.

Commander in Chief concurs that the owners will be wise to cept the arrangement suggested in the present circuns tancas

ovided it will not prejudice other claims against the Japanose. milar arrangement has also been suggested regarding Dholora

Lalita but I have not yet approached their owners.

If you Concur perhaps Your Excellency would pursue the matter further with the Japanese with a view to solution on these lines.