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aback by statements earlier this year by CIC and other Hong Kong Trade Unionists that Hong Kong would
participate independently in the ILO. They might see the sending of a separate delegation to these Conferences as a first step towards such participation and as an attempt to force their hand without having discussed the matter in the Joint Liaison Group. We imagine there might also be difficulties in choosing a suitable union representative for the delegation without offending either the communist or independent unions.
4. In light of these initial comments we would be grateful for your considered proposals on Hong Kong's participation in these two conferences.
W G Ehrman
Hong Kong Department
cc F Burrows Esq, Law Officer (Special Duties), Hong Kong
D B Gould Esq, Education & Manpower Branch, Hong Kong D Chen Esq, Deputy Commissioner for Labour, Hong Kong Miss MJ Maxwell, Office of the International Labour
Adviser, FCO
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