§ 40. Mr. George Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made in the negotiations with the Japanese Government for compensation to British subjects who suffered imprisonment and the loss of their household and personal property under Japanese occupation.
Mr. McNeilThis is not a subject for negotiation with the Japanese Government, and consequently no such negotiations are in progress or in prospect. It will be for the Peace Conference to decide whether an obligation is to be imposed on the Japanese Government to meet individual claims in respect of loss or damage to property or for personal injury.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherDoes not the question link up with that of the amount of reparations we are to get out of Japan to help those British subjects?
Mr. McNeilI am asked whether the negotiations are taking place for the apportionment of reparations or indemnity in respect of those claims. My reply must be that that is a matter for the Peace Treaty.