CO129-628-13 Compensation- requisitioned railway materials and stores 1-2-1950 - 30-4-1951 — Page 20

REGent. 8131. Extn.

ef: 120/Overseas/300.

Dear Hall,

Inspector of Lands (Overseas),

War Office,

RECEIVED

29 NOV 1950 COLONIAL OFFICE

Nuffield House,

Piccadilly,

London, W.1.

+8

20

28 November, 1950.

Thank you for your letter of 22nd November last referenced 17 54447/5/50 about the Hong Kong claim for requisitioned railway

materials.

In the past few days we have received certain information which I am afraid, will necessitate further delay in reaching a settlement whilst it is being looked into. I refer to the scuttling in Kowloon Harbour on or about 11 December 1941 of the s.s. "HARADSVANG".

It is known now that her cargo consisted among other things of a large tonnage of wagon steel which was en route to India from Hong Kong, and it rather looks therefore as if the greater part of the Hong Kong claim will be classified as War Damage, for which of course the War Department could not accept liability.

I will, however, let you know the result of our investi- gations as soon as they are completed.

Yours/sincerely,

H. P. Hall, Esq.,

Colonial Office,

The Church House,

Gt. Smith Street,

LONDON, S.W.1.

(G.V. Seymour).

CAFFE & GENERAL 30 NOV 1950

GISTRY

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