§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has received on claims to the Japanese Government for war damage caused to property in Hong Kong belonging to British nationals; what replies he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerHer Majesty's Government have from time to time received representations from individuals and organisations in Hong Kong about claims against the Japanese166W Government arising from the war. The replies sent have explained that, under the terms of the Treaty of Peace with Japan of 1951, Her Majesty's Government, like other signatories, waived all rights to claim reparations from Japan except in three carefully defined cases: compensation for property in Japan at the outbreak of war, under Article 15; seizure of Japanese assets in the jurisdiction of Allied Powers at the coming into force of the Treaty, under Article 14(a)2; and assistance in compensation for war damage through the "services of the Japanese people" for those Governments wishing to enter promptly into negotiations with the Japanese Government, under Article 14(a)1. British nationals, both in Hong Kong and elsewhere, with the right to do so have, of course, benefited from the first of these provisions, whilst both Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of dependent territories benefited from the Japanese assets under their jurisdiction in accordance with the second. In the case of Hong Kong, I understand these assets were devoted to general rehabilitation. Her Majesty's Government, with the agreement of the Governments of the dependent territories concerned, including the Government of Hong Kong, decided not to seek reparation through services in accordance with the third provision mentioned. It has therefore been made clear to those making the representations to which I have referred that there are no grounds for Her Majesty's Government making any further claims against Japan in this matter.