as a territory for which we are responsible the highest
standards must be maintained.
I think we are all agreed that the trade union situation
in Hong Kong differs very considerably from our own and that
many of the points made by Sam McCluskie with relation to
seamen, and yourself about the more general problem, need
looking into. One difficulty is that not enough is yet
known about the labour relations situation in Hong Kong in
its political and sociological context, to come to any sensible
conclusions as to how and where things might be bettered.
I am thinking of commissioning a study of the whole matter
but the modalities will require careful consideration and I will
let you know what we have in mind when the Governor has been able
to give advice. I think a mini-Donovan, a suggestion I put
forward at our meeting on 23 April, would probably be too
conspicuous.
a lower profile.
But we may be able to achieve the same results with
My advisers here agree that Hong Kong trade union legislation,
as you suggested, may be somewhat antiquated and over-elaborate.
There is a Bill at present before the Legislative Council which
should do something to improve matters and I am told that Hong
Kong practice is more liberal on such matters as association,
/and