CO129-628-10 War Damage Compensation- individual claims 1-1-1950 - 31-3-1951 — Page 34

Copy

HG 1101/131

Sir,

S.W.1.

18th November, 1950.

34

刈

With reference to your letter of the 2nd November concerning your claim in respect of war losses sustained in the Far East, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Bevin to inform you that no Peace Conference has yet been convened for the purpose of drawing up a Treaty of Peace with Japan, and although His Majesty's Government's views on the desirability of concluding such a treaty are well known, this is not a matter in which they can make progress alone. At present, therefore, it is not possible to add materially to what was stated in Foreign Office letter of the 7th September, 1948.

Mr. Bevin understands that the Hong Kong Government have not been able to recommend that compensation should be paid for war damage, and in the circumstances it will be for the Peace Conference to decide whether any obligation is to be placed on the Japanese Government in this respect. It is suggested, however, that if you have not already done so, you should

get into touch with the Insurance and Company's Department of

the Board of Trade, Lacon House, Theobald's Road, London, W.C.1.

in connexion with your war losses incurred in Hong Kong.

I am to add that a letter was recently addressed to The Honourable Greville Howard, M.P. concerning your claims in respect of property lost in the Far East.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Lieutenant-Commander H.C.S. Collingwood-Selby,

Torre Vean,

Porthleven,

Helston,

Cornwall.