§ 6. Mr. Speirasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he appreciates that claims made by British subjects against Japan for loss or damage to property suffered in Shanghai by such subjects prior to the outbreak of war in 1941 have still not been met; and what action he proposes to take to hasten consideration of such claims.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of pre-war claims against Japan for property loss or damage sustained by British subjects in China. Claims of individuals which had been presented to the Japanese Government before the war and had not been settled have been presented again. Early this year, the Japanese stated that their relevant archives were missing and that they would require copies of the claims. Most of these have already been supplied and Her Majesty's Ambassador is pressing for their speedy consideration.
§ Mr. SpeirWill my right hon. and learned Friend realise that many of these claimants are aged and infirm people and, furthermore, these claims have been outstanding for 12 years or more? Will he take further steps to persuade the Japanese Government to meet them?