HC Deb 30 April 1947 vol 436 c222W
20. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that no British official in Japan has the right to enter and inspect the property of British subjects in that country; and what is the explanation of the denial of this right by the U.S. authorities.

Mr. Bevin

It is the responsibility of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to protect all United Nations property in Japan, and the right to enter and inspect such property is consequently vested exclusively in him. In cases where inspection of British property is desired, General MacArthur arranges, through his Civil Property Custodian Section, for full reports to 'be furnished to His Majesty's Government for the information of the British interests concerned. The United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Tokyo maintain close contact with the Custodian and British officials participate, when necessary, in the inspection of British properties.

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