The following copy of a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Conference of the Associated British Chambers of Commerce in China and Hongkong, regarding the case of Mr. G. L.' Shaw, hae been forwarded to us for publication by Mr, K. Yamasaki, Japanese Consul-General The Chairman,—Conference of the Associated British Chambers of Commerce in China and Hongkong.
S1r,—I have read your speech delivered at Saturday's uiecting of the Associated British Chambers of Commerce in China and Hongkong regarding Mr. Shaw's case with great interest. While fully appreciating the—_Association's point of view and the friendly spirit in which the subject was: dealt with, I cannot but most strongly refute the charge, if it still exists, that in detaining Mr. Shaw, the Japanese authorities! were prompted by a motive to remove their critic and a commercial rival from Manchuria.—Nothing ig more fantastic than this allegation. Nor is it fair to suggest! that the quarantine imposed in Tsingtao this summer, though it might have been obnoxious, was an econoutic weapon in disguise! against British trade; the same! measure having been enforced in respect of all ships arriving at that port whether they were under the Japanese, British or any other flag.
I am sending a copy of this let ter to the Press.
I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, K, Yamasaxt.
Shanghai.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.