NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decode.
Mr. Dodds (Tokyo).
4th April, 1939.
D.
4.01 p.m. 4th April, 1939.
R.
9.30 a.m.
4th April, 1939.
212
No. 324. (R).
at til at it.
My despatch No. 965 of December 2nd.
Government are now proceeding in earnest with the enforce-
ment of the national mobilisation law. Three ordinances were
promulgated on March 31st under Article 6 to:-
(1) Regulate the engagement of operatives (effective from
April 20th).
(2) Limit working hours to twelve hours per diem inclusive of
specified periods of rest. Exception may however be made to their
restriction with the sanction of the appropriate authorities.
(Effective from May 1st).
(3) Control wages in factories employing more than fifty
operatives through a system of submission of reports by owners for
the approval of the Ministry of Welfare. (Effective from April
10th). Further establishments of Central and local wages com-
missions to make recommendations regarding this control; two ordin- ances were promulgated also on March 31st under Article 22 empower- ing authorities to (1) order provision for facilities for training technicians at colleges and schools (2) Order for the provision of similar facilities in factories in designated categories (both effective from April 5th).
Ordinance was promulgated on April 1st under Article 11 regulating industrial dividends. (Effective from April 10th). General effect is as described in paragraph No.5 of my despatch under reference.
Japanese Government is contemplating an early enforcement of Article 19 to secure more effective control of prices, and press reports ordinance under Article 4 is being prepared to ensure adequate supply of labour for the industrial expansion programme.
Details by despatch.