744.
allowed to grow unchecked as this would weaken the bargaining positions of trade unions. However, it was also recognised that, in certain instances, the rapid increase of seafarers was the result of political decisions which trade unions might not be in a position to effect change.
Agenda item 4 on IMCO and ILO standards and item 5 on UNCTAD were not really discussed. Delegates seemed to be agreed that there could be unacceptable wage rates but no unacceptable safety standards.
15.
Cn the item of Any other business, Asian affiliates were again vociferous about the way the ITF Secretariat transacted business. Their accusations were mainly that the ITF did not seem to be mindful of the interests of Asian affiliates and that Asian affiliated unions were not sufficiently consulted or involved in decision-making. Serious charges
and aggressive words were hurled at the ITF Secretariat for being dic- tational, secretive in its dealings, inefficient, and "suppling false information on rurpose!". The delegate from Japan, Mr. E. Kibata who was a member of last year's ITF delegation to the Asian countries, was particularly outspoken on the matter. Of course, these serious charges were inmediately rebutted by the General Secretary, Mr. Harold Lewis. Levertheless, it was generally agreed that Asian conditions have changed and there is urgent need to improve communication and understanding between the ITF Secretariat and its affiliates in Asia and other countries in the region.
Resolutions
16.
(a)
(b)
The Conference adopted a resolution that
an Asian Seafarer's Regional Committee should be set up by the ITF to investigate, among other things, an Asian minimum rate for the purpose of recommendation to the Fair Fractices Committee;
the suspension of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) be lifted;
(c) the applications for affiliation by the Hong Kong
Amalgamated Seafarers Union and the Indonesian Seafarers' Union be favourably considered by the Executive Committee.
5/ 17.