CO885-11 — Page 37

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O.882/11

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

manner.

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We agreed that both Governments were entirely sin- cere in their desire to bring about a settlement of the strike and boycott, and it was decided that, as nothing definite was known of the strikers' attitude beyond the terms which they had pub- It was emphasised lished, it would be as well to analyse them. by both sides that neither Government had any official cognisance of them. Copies in Chinese were at once produced-I had a translation with me-and I proceeded to show in detail that most of what might be described as the political terms were based on a misapprehension, and that in any event they affected Hongkong's sovereignty and therefore could not be discussed. Two matters remained, the question of reinstatement and that of strike pay. With regard to these I began by recapitulating Mr. Sung's argument of the previous day whereby he showed cause why the merchants should pay, and I agreed that, from the point of view of the strikers the argument appeared to be thoroughly sound. It led to the logical conclusion that the Cantonese merchants should join in, and also that the British merchants could not be called upon to pay. I then put forward the argument of the Hongkong merchants, which I had presented to Mr. Sung, that the demands of the strikers were nothing more or less than blackmail, and I supported it very fully by the reasons which I had given to Mr. Sung. The merchants' argu- ment appeared to me to be at least as sound as that of the strikers. It was agreed that the position had been fairly put, and that although it was hardly a case of an irresistible force meeting immovable matter-a simile suggested by Mr. Sung-a solution would not be at all easy.

It was then asked whether the Hongkong delegation of officials and merchants would come to Canton. I said that this was now unnecessary. The proposal was made when it was not known that the Canton Government were confining themselves to the role of mediators; but it being now apparent that there was no political issue, the Hongkong Government could have nothing to do with any question of payment. The matter was one for the merchants to discuss, if they wished. The Hongkong Govern ment would withdraw the names of the four merchants which had been put forward in order that it might not be said afterwards that the merchants' hand had been forced by Government nominees. The merchants would choose their own representa- tives if they so wished. It was agreed that this course was à reasonable one.

An adjournment was then made for lunch at a restaurant, and it was decided that the Council would consider what I had said and that we would meet again in the evening. In the afternoon Mr. Foo Ping-sheung. Luk King-fo, and a roads engineer took me for a long motor ride all round the city.

At 7 p.m. I dined with the Council, the same persons being present, and also Mr. Wong Cheung-kuk, and after dinner we resumed the discussion. The tone of the Council was more critical, though entirely friendly. They pointed out that it was essential that something should be done for the strikers, and the some length, the question of reinstatement was discussed at

Council maintaining that it would not be unreasonable for employers to dismiss in favour of the strikers men who had taken

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their places. I said that this was quite impossible. The em ployers could not in any event be coerced, but the Hongkong countenance such a proposal. I Government would never instanced the Tramway Company who had trained new motor-men It was impossible to contemplate the dis- and ticket collectors. missal of these men. If the Company took this step, the strikers might go out again within a week or two on the same petty grievance, and then no substitutes would be forthcoming, as they would be liable to be turned out again as soon as the strikers saw fit to return. I said that I fully understood the difficulties of the Canton Government, very recently established and depending upon the support of the masses who had brought them to power. but still I felt sure I could rely upon them to prevent the strikers Mr. Wong from making unreasonable claims for reinstatement. Ching-wai put forward some unconvincing arguments regarding the patriotic nature of the movement, and it was finally agreed that we could get no further until the Council had obtained some- thing definite from the strikers. The Council was, however, satisfied that the political terms could in the end be brushed aside. It was possible that some of the strikers might wish to press for some of them, and then it would be necessary for the Hongkong I replied delegation of officials and merchants to come down.

that this was out of the question as far as the officials were con- cerned, as the Hongkong Government was not prepared to dis- cuss these terms with the strikers. I had plenary powers from the Governor in this matter, and while I was willing to explain away any misunderstanding which the strikers might be under, through the agency of the Council and not to the strikers direct. I was not prepared to concede any point as a condition of a settlement. I could merely promise that, when the boycott was finally over the Hongkong Government would sympathetically consider any legitimate grievances that might be put before the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

At this juncture I decided to test, as far as I might, the ques- tion whether the Canton Government would bring about a settle- I pointed out ment in return for some direct benefit to itself.

that, if the strikers got a payment but no work, they would be a nuisance both to Canton and to Hongkong. I had no authority whatever from the Governor to make such a proposal, but sup- pose the Hongkong Government made a loan to the Canton Government for the purpose of completing the Canton-Hankow railway, a project desired by both, the labourers could then be employed. Mr. Wu at once made the point that this would meet the reinstatement difficulty, but it would be some time before they could begin, and so the question of strike pay remained. suggestion, however, seemed to make a considerable impression on the Council. It was agreed to adjourn till luncheon on the following day, and that in the morning the Council should put what I had said before the Strike Committee.

The

On the morning of, the 22nd December Mr. Luk King-fo took me for a long walk through the City, and at 1 p.m. we lunched at the office of the Municipality with Mr. C. C. Wu, the party comprising the same persons. After lunch Mr. Wong Ching-wai said that they had had a discussion with the Strike Committee which had lasted all the morning, and they had practically got no The strikers had a number further than the first of the terms.