INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
Cypher (0.T.P.)
FROM HONG KONG (Bir A. Grantham)
22
D. 21st December, 1949. R. 21st
12.20 hrs:
DEC
IMMEDIATE
No. 1368. Secret.
Addressed 8, of S.
Repeated Commissioner General for U.K. in
South East Asia No. 368.
I must give you warning that labour troubles may be expected in the next few days. that they may develop into wide-spread strikes throughout all
There is the possibility sections of labour.
2.
As you will have noted from my weekly intelligence appreciations for over a mouth utility unions have been discussing demands for a "ɑpecial allowance" of approximately $3 a day additional to the present rehabilitation or cost of living allowances. These demands were finally presented last week by all utility miona accompanied by a number of other minor wage demanda. some way on lesser demands but will not agree to "spacial
Managements have been ready to go allowance" which they do not consider justified and which, if granted could not be confined to utilities but would have to be granted by all European and other large employers thus upsetting post-war wage structure and lead to further (oorrupt group - ?complaints).
3.
There has been some increase in the cost of living during the last six montha mainly in all staple commodities. This is, however, releated in increase of rehabilitation
sllowance (based on food and fuel figures) which has risen from $87 in June to 8102 in December. Undoubtedly movement is
being fanned by left-wing Paderation of Trade Unions and it may
well be the first trial of strength with communist influences.
Unions have presented their demands rather in the form of ultimatum but enquiries show that, in some unions, there is substantial proportion which is reluctant to press demands aggrossively.
140
Tramway Workers Union has been setting the pace
Intervention
end has threatened a etrike within a few days, by Commissimer of Labour has brought parties round the conference table today but it is not yet possible to forecast the outcome. If tramwaya strike, others are likely to
follow.
5.
I will keep you informed of developments.
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