PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
THE LABOUR PARTY
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT ID/1973-74/22
LETTER SENT TO MR. IAN MIKARDO, M.P., FROM MR. ROBERT HUGHES, H.P., DATED,
7TH DECEMBER 1973
'Dear Mik,
You will remember that we spoke briefly in the Lobby about Hong Kong. I enclose for your information a Memo. prepared for me by Walter Easy. He is an ex Hong Kong policeman, who was in the special anti-corruption section until he resigned having become sickened by the whole syston in Hong Kong.
I was recently in Hong Kong and no-one who has visited the Colony can fail to have been greatly concerned at the manner in which the Hong Kong Government runs affairs.
The tremendous disparities of wealth, of working conditions, of housing conditions would not be tolerated in this country. The continuation of this state of affairs, which in many instances is worse than South Africa, can be traced to the lack of Trade Union rights and organisation. This is the deliberato policy of the Hong Kong Governmont, All the nominees to the Logislative Council roprosent the Commercial and Business interests of the Colony.
Wo forgot that it is a colony because it has virtual autonomy over domestic affairs. Apart from the Urban Council which exercises minimal functions, there is no democratic right for the people to influence their way of life.
This is a situation which cannot be allowed to continue unexposed. I would welcome the views of the International Sub-Committee of the Labour Party on this matter.
I would be happy to provide further information and to moot you, with Walter Easy if desired, to discuss what can be done.'
!
Yours sincerely
ROBERT HUGHES