At 7 p.m. I dined with the Council, the same
persons being present, and also Mr. Wong Cheung-kuk, and aftter
dinner we ersumed the discussion. The tone of the Council
was more critical, though entirely friendly. They pointed out that it was essential that something should be done for the
strikers, and the question of reinstatement was discussed at some length, the Council maintaining that it would not be unreasonable for employers to dismiss in favour of the strikers men who had taken their places. I said that this was quite impossible. The employers could not in any event be coerced, but the Hongkong Government would never countenance such a proposal. I instanced the Tramway Company who had trained new motor-men and ticket collectors. It was impossible to
contemplate the dismissal of these men. If the Company took this step, the strikers might go out again within a week or two on the same petty grievance, and then no substitutes would be forthcoming, as they would be liable to be turned out again as soon as the strikers saw fit to return. I said that I fully understood the difficulties of the Caton Government, very recently established and depending upon the support of the masses who had brought them to power, but still I felt sure I could rely upon them to prevent the strikers
Mr. Wong from making unreasonable claims for reinstatement. Ching-wai put forward some unconvincing arguments regarding the patriotic nature of the movement, and it was finally agreed that we could get no further until the Council had obtained something definite from the strikers. The Council was however satisfied that the political terms could in the end be brushed aside. It was possible that some of the strikers might wish to press for some of them, and then it would be necessary for the Hongkong delegation of officials and merchants to come down. I replied that this was out of the question as far as the officials were concerned, as the Hongkong Government was not prepared to discuss these terms with the strikers. had plenary powers from the Governor in this matter, and while
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