§ Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements he has made with the Japanese Government to give effect to Article 15 (a) of the Japanese Peace Treaty, providing for the restoration of British property in Japan and for compensation for loss of property or damage to it.
§ Mr. NuttingJapanese Law No. 264 of 1951, known as the Allied Powers Property Compensation Law, provides for compensation for loss of British property in Japan or for damage to it. This law lays down that the first step in claiming compensation is to apply for restoration of the property. Allied claimants must file applications for the return of their 157W property not later than 28th January, 1953. As was announced in the Press on 10th July, 1952. Her Majesty's Government have made arrangements for applications for return of property to be presented to the Japanese Government.
Once application has been made for the return of property, claimants can proceed to claim compensation. If property which was within Japan on 7th December. 1941, has been returned and has suffered damage as a result of the war, or if the property cannot be returned because it has been lost or damaged, the owner can lodge a claim for compensation with the Japanese Government within 18 months of the coming into force of the Peace Treaty, i.e., not later than 28th October. 1953.
Detailed information of the procedure for making applications for return and claims for compensation can be obtained from the Administration of Enemy Property Department, Lacon House. Theobalds Road, London, W.C.1.