HC Deb 31 July 1964 vol 699 cc435-6W
Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what consultations took place between Her Majesty's Government and representatives of interested organisations in Hong Kong before deciding not to seek reparations from Japan for war damage under Section 14A of the San Francisco Treaty.

Mr. Fisher

There were no consultations between Her Majesty's Government and representatives of interested organisations in Hong Kong. The decision was taken after consultation and with the agreement of the Hong Kong Government.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies, what reparations have been paid by Japan to Hong Kong nationals; and how many claims are still outstanding.

Mr. Fisher

The Allied Powers by Article 14(b) of the Treaty of Peace with Japan waived, with certain exceptions, all reparations claims of the Allied Powers and their nationals arising out of any actions taken by Japan and its nationals in the course of the prosecution of the war.

Nationals of the Allied Powers including British nationals in Hong Kong and elsewhere who were eligible under Article 15 of the Treaty could claim in respect of property in Japan on 7th December, 1941. There are no such claims outstanding.

The sum of £1¼ million was received by the Hong Kong Government from the disposal of Japanese assets in the Colony, under Article 14(a) 2 of the Treaty.

There are no grounds on which Her Majesty's Government can make any further claims against Japan.