With reference to the conversation that I had with you last
Saturday morning (July 22nd), I have the honour, under
instructions of the Japanese Government, to transmit to you, for
the information of the Government of the Commonwealth of
Australia, the following official report by the Japanese
authorities on the inspection and searching of British nationals:-

1. In the inspection or searching of British nationals in
Tientsin, the Japanese authorities have never had, nor have they,
any thought of discriminating between British and any other Third
Power nationals. When searching is carried out, it is inevitable
that there are those whose behaviour is sometimes very arrogant
and insolent, resulting on some occasions in misunderstanding on
the part of the Japanese soldiers who make the search.

2. The allegation that the manner of searching is insulting to
British nationals is groundless. The Japanese authorities are
discreet, especially as regards the women, in whose case searching
has been carried out by women police, who search only from the
outside, although in some cases, for men and women alike, a closer
inspection has been found necessary. There has been absolutely no
case at all where a person has been stripped of his or her
clothing.

3. It goes without saying that there has not been the slightest
intention of stopping the supply of food or other daily
necessities for the Concession. The transportation of food
supplies and other necessary goods into the Concession is almost
entirely carried on by Chinese. Not only are their numbers very
great, but among them are some who object to the searching, which
naturally results in a closer inspection and some delay.

4. All the above facts are gradually becoming known to the general
public, and it is understood that there is no trouble at all, even
though the same methods of investigation are still being carried
on.

M. AKIYAMA