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know the latest position abou
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he has not in mind an additional assistant Chinese Labour Officer.
The Governor endorses the suggestion that a European lady Assistant Labour Officer be appointed. We have been trying to keep Mrs. Allinson who is so strongly recommended by Mr. Hawkins (see pe ragraph 9 of 2A) on a line, but it is I think over 15 months since she first applied for this post or alternatively a post in the proposed Social Welfare Department and if we are to secure her (and she seems a most excellent choice) it might be worth getting Treasury approval of this post in advance of the others if there is likely to be any delay.
The
I have not been able to obtain file 41733 (Major Chauvin) referred to in paragraph 2(b) or 3 but I gather that the Governor is not in favour of appointing a Trade Union Adviser at present although presumably he wishes the post to be included in the proposed establishment. Mr. Hawkins when I saw him just before he returned to Hong Kong felt strongly that because of the dangers of political control of the Trade Unions by the Kuomintang and the difficulty that is already experienced in combatting the activities of labour agitators from Canton, local Chinese experience was of more value at this stage than trade union experience in this country. proposals which we have recently received from the Governor for the establishment of a Municipal Council and the transfer to it of some of the functions of the central Government involve the recommendation that of 5 Chinese members of the Council to be nominated, two should be nominated by the Trade Unions. Since these would be the only direct representatives of the working classes (in view of the fact that a property qualification is proposed for the electorate from which the 10 elected Chinese would be drawn) those two nominated members will be important and, if the y are to be as representative as possible, it would seem that some body (such as I gather does not at present exist) will be necessary to co-ordinate the various trade unions. I mention this proposal because it is likely to increase the importance of the trade unions.
Research Department will no doubt comment on paragraph 2(c) on the question of whether statistical staff should be employed in the Labour Department or in a Central Statistical office to which the Labour Department might refer.
Subject to comments on the points raised above and to the general view of Social Services Department ? agree with the Governor's proposal and seek Treasury concurrence.
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30.12.46.