OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 1986 - The Japanese government has replied to a request that it consider further reparation payments to Hong Kong prisoners of war, stating that the matter was closed by the signing of The Treaty of Peace between Japan and Canada in 1952.

This was announced today by Cliff Chadderton, Chief Executive Officer of The War Amps, who has been attempting to negotiate a further payment on behalf of the Hong Kong veterans.

The treaty resulted in the payment of $1.00 a day to the PoWs who were exposed to brutality and slave labour for their period of incarceration.

Chadderton in his response today to the Japanese Ambassador Kiyoaki Kikuchi in Ottawa, stated that in the legal opinion of Brian Forbes, Association Solicitor, the peace treaty does not preclude further payments and suggests in view of its improved economy, Japan now has a moral obligation to pay further compensation to those who were tortured by the Japanese during World War II, or to their widows.

The letter to the Ambassador states further that, in view of the response which indicates the Japanese government considers the peace treaty as a valid reason to refuse further payment the organization will proceed to take the matter before the Human Rights Commission of the UN.

Chadderton suggests however, that notwithstanding the peace treaty, the friendly relations which now exist between the Japanese and Canadian peoples would indicate the feasibility of the Japanese reopening the matter, with a view to approving realistic indemnification.

"We would hope that the present Japanese government will see the validity of this claim and will realize that Canadians would not appreciate any attempt by the Japanese to hide behind the peace treaty," Chadderton stated.

The evidence concerning the brutality and atrocities inflicted upon Canadian servicemen at the hands of the Japanese is well documented. Chadderton hopes that it would not be necessary to revive the memories of this shocking and cruel episode in our history.

The letter also indicated that the organization is proceeding with the claim before the UN but leaves open the possibility of further negotiation.

"Should the Japanese indicate a willingness to reconsider the moral aspects of the claim, we would gladly withdraw the appeal before the United Nations," Chadderton stated.

It was made clear in Mr. Chadderton's letter to the Japanese that the request would not be abandoned.

"Having firsthand knowledge of what the effects were of this inhumane treatment upon the Hong Kong veterans and their families, we must continue our efforts, if for no other reason than to indicate to these survivors that what they went through will never be forgotten," said Chadderton.