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a speech could not have been made three years ago. It would be very valuable if Gaspar could meet one or two Ministers whilst in London. and Dr Owen agreed that this should be done. If he himself was in London he hoped to be able to find time to meet Gaspar.
The 'Globtik Venus'
18.
Mr Jones said the TUC still hoped an enquiry would be made into the circumstances under which this vessel was taken over by a "gang of mercenaries" recruited in the United Kingdom. He knew that a financial settlement had now been reached and that the Filipino crew members would receive some recompense. Nevertheless the fact remained that the Filipinos had lost their jobs. This unfortunately was a typical outcome of action taken by trade unions to deal with the exploitation of crews on flag of convenience ships. Dr Owen said that the Department of Trade (Mr Clinton Davis) was dealing with this subject and Mr Hurst mentioned the investigations now being made under the direction of the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Conclusion
19.
As
Dr Owen referred to the value he placed on contacts with the TUC. He hoped the TUC would feel free to talk over international problems at any time as they had done with his predecessors. Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary he would be increasingly involved in major international conferences dealing with financial, economic and employment problems. Mr Michael Stewart was his adviser on economic affairs and he hoped that officials in the TUC's Economic Department would contact Mr Stewart on any points of concern to them. Mr Murray and Mr Jones thanked Dr Owen for seeing them.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1
22 March 1977
6
CONFIDENTIAL