CO129-628-11 War Damage Compensation- individual claims 1-3-1951 - 31-3-1951 — Page 13

Sir/Madam,

STANDARD LETTER

13

...

I am directed to acknowledge your letter of

on the subject of Japanese reparations and a claim for a share in Japanese assets to be disposed of locally.

I enclose for your information a copy of the official press announcement issued by the Hong Kong Government on the proposed methods of disposing of local Japanese assets.

You will observe that Japanese assets, estimated at over $3,000,000, will be available for purposes of benefit to the whole community and that the Governor proposes to set up a committee on which there would be an unofficial majority to advise him, in consultation with the Secretary of State,

It is not intended as to how best the money could be used. that the funds should be applied to meet individual claims.

In respect of claims for reparations I am to inform you that Article 14 of the Japanese Peace Treaty, which has not yet been ratified by the United Kingdom Government records the obligation of Japan to pay reparations but also accepts the economic impossibility of her doing so. Consequently Japan is not required to compensate individual claimants for loss of property sustained outside Japn or for personal injury wherever sustained.

I am, Sir/Madam, Your obedient servant,

Enclosure.