FO371-23514 — Page 61

and that the attackers confused the rivers at the

249

boundary. The General admitted, however, when pressed

by Colonel Neville, that instructions to bomb the

Chinese Maritime Customs Station had been given and

that such bombing must have involved a violation of

British Territory. The General continued that the

officer commanding the raiders had stated that he

dropped two bombs at Lo Wu and had to drop two more

because of the wind, and that he then saw a lot of

people running and thinking they were Chinese soldiers

fired about fifty rounds by machine gun. The raider

kept on bombing the train and people because he thought

he was over Chinese Territory. The General added that

the raiders had a printed map, but not so good as the

British maps, and made haste to explain that the rough

sketch map produced was not the one used.

5. The Japanese Consul then explained that he did

not wish to go into the claim but would pay the maximum

claim as a final acquittance. It was agreed that a round sum

of $20,000 should be paid subject to refund to the Japanese

authorities of any money unexpended when all claims had

been met.

6. There followed some discussion arising apparently

out of Japanese language difficulties, as to whether the

payments in the case of Chinese persons should be described

as indemnity or solatium. It was agreed to adhere to the

English word "compensation" which is used throughout.

7. The meeting concluded with expressions of

pleasure on both sides that the matter of compensation had

been settled thus amicably. When saying goodbye

General Tanaka speaking in English asked Colonel Neville to

Page 61

Page 61

assure

Page 61

Page 61