JOHN SWIRE & SONS LTD
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS,
TEMSELOAF, STOCK, LONDON.
TELEPHONE,
MANSION HOUSE 9067.
Jc (spane).
39
28, Cornhill, 2 8. Billiter Square,
London
27th November, 1941.
E.C.3.
Dear Gent,
Taikoo Dockyard. Hong Kong.
I enclose a copy of the first page or two of the Dockyard Manager's annual staff report. I also enclose a list of the Government work which the Dockyard has in hand. You will see from the leave list that the Dockyard Manager is doubtful about the return from leave in Australia of nine of his men because of their reluctance to remain semi-permanently divorced from their wives. These men are foremen, controlling Chinese artisans and labour and their loss would seriously affect production.
In the meantime, we are sending the following
telegram from London:-
"Swire telegraphs: Referring to your letter of 31st "October, Dockyard, in my opinion do not grant leave "where return doubtful. Suggest that you discuss "it with Governor. We have written Colonial Office, "Admiralty."
It is easy enough to stop these men going on leave, as nobody can leave the Colony without the permission of the Military Authorities, who will not sanction more than 16 weeks' leave after 5 years in the Colony.
It is however desirable from every point of view that some leave should be granted after a longish spell in that climate.
You will see from the Dockyard Manager's report that he considers the problem would be solved by making the evacuation voluntary, which would thus enable these men's wives to return to the Colony. I do not suppose however that this solution will commend itself to H.M. G. at the present stage of tension, even if the shipping or other difficulties could be overcome. I therefore wonder whether any Government technique can be devised which will ensure the return of these men from Australia, i.e., can the permission granted to them to leave the Colony be linked with some compulsion to return even if they have