FO371-46258 — Page 204

NOTHING

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Detention of R.A.F. flying boat at Samar.

The Air Ministry now want representations made to the Chinese authorities regarding this case, largely because of the indignity to which the R.A.F. personnel were subjected.

The question of a protest has already been raised at F 9833/1147/10, and, on the advice of Mr. Fitzmaurice, we decided against a protest against the actual detention, and so informed Chungking. The Air Ministry now want representations made against the circumstances of the detention, and particul- arly against the plæ ing of a Japanese guard on the aircraft and its EFX crew.

I told Air Commodore Macfadyen that I thought the Japanese were being used because there were not enough Chinese troops avail- able. This was happening all over China.

Whatever the real reason, the Chinese would doubtless claim that the guard was placed over the aircraft for protection purposes. It is not clear from the Captain's report whether the crew were detained in the aircraft against their will. Normally R. A.F. crews prefer to stay with their aircraft unless adequate provision has att already been made for their protection.

A circumstance which does seem to call for representations is the fact that American aircraft were allowed to use Samar freely and ours was detained.

As the Air Ministry to feel so strongly about it I think there is no harm in mixing telegraphing to the Embassy making the points about the Jap. armed guard and the U.S. aircraft, and asking them, provided they see no objection, and subject to any additional information which may have come to light from other sources, to make suitable representations to the Chinese.

I submit draft telegram.

Mari

hv. Kitun

November 21st, 1945.

NW21.

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