3-
41
5.
The incident cannot, however, be regarded as
ended, since I understand that on the 18th instant two representatives of the Union at an interview with Mr. W.F. Johnston, the local Manager of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, brought up the question of the S.S "Shantung" Boatswain and No.1 Fireman. They were not at all aggressive and merely stated that the 16th June being the Dragon Boat Festival, they had not felt inclined to pursue the matter but they hoped that the Company would advise these two men to join the Union. They were told that the firm had already communi- cated to the two men the Union's desire to see them and could
not do anything further. The representatives said they quite understood the viewpoint of Messrs, Butterfield & Swire
and left the matter there.
6.
Mr. Johnston, when communicating the above information, said he thought that the matter could rest for the time being and that my good offices had eased the
situation considerably.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
(Signed) Herbert Phillips.
Consul-General.