CO129-474 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [1-4] — Page 173

Daily Rail. Ronday

172

March 5th.

HONG-KONG TENSION.

MYSTERY OF BOYCOTT OF EUROPEANS.

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感觉

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The wagos dispute between Chinese Beatl men sad the shipowners at Hoag-kong, sl which has been in progress since last autumn, was settled yesterday.

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It has developed in the last few days c into a 'boycott of Europeans" move-I ment, the origin and machinations of which aro shrouded in some mystery. It has been fomented by Bolshevist in- fuences, and certain sinister political forces have been at work at Canton, the seat of the Southern Government of Sun Tat-on, which has not been recognised by the European Powers.

Chinese servants, intimidated by their Beaders, have left European employ en masse, Chinese workers of all branches of industry bave left their work, and basi- ness has been at a standstill for some time. British troops are patrolling the town and no serious disorders have occurred. The latest newe is contained in the following special cablegrams from our correspon- dent:-

SEAMEN'S DISPUTE ENDED. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT, HONG KONG, Sunday. The hybest tension prevails bere. The police and the military are most active in arresting instigator,

The unprecedented general strike was on- tirely achieved by intimidation. Yester- day's conference succeeded, after 6 hours pitting, in settling the seamen's demands, both sides giving round. The interpreta. tion of the draft agreement resulted in an- other 6 hours session terminating at 1.20. to-day in a deadlock. The conference re- sumed at 11.30 am,

The representative of the Canton Govern. ment in talk with me, before the ramp. tion of the conference, held out high hopes of a settlement, on which all other strikes depend.

A further conference will follow between officials of Hong-kong and Canton.

Sunday Night.

The conference adjourned at 3 p.m. after reaching a complete understanding regard- ing the economic features on the basis of an increase of wages and the provision for strika

ika pay for me unabsorbed, such not to be continued beyond 54 months from DAY the date of the general return to work. The on

the

only outstanding questions are between 1 seamen and the Hong-kong Government.

A settlement is expected later this evening. Many rupathetic strikers are now stand- ing by in readiness to resume work. The scale agreed on ranges from 15 to 30 per cent.