CO129-474 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [1-4] — Page 393

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391

te force on a general strike, it was proclaimed as an unlav- fal society but care was taken to make it clear that the grounds for the proclamation were uncomacted with the semsen's demands for higher pay. (See Goverment Gazette of 1st February, 192, enclosed).

3.

As a matter of fact I do not think that the result can properly be described as a surrender by the OFERTË. It is true that the seaten have obtained consider- able increases of wages but these increases fall very far short of their original demands and it is not clear that the rates now to be paid are by any means excessive, It is impossible to make any very definite statements in such matters but I am inclined to think that the fact is that though the ran (with the possible exception of the crews of the river boats) would not have struck for an increase of wages if it had not been for the political pressure brought upan then from Canton, yet that pressure would not have been effectual - or affectual to anything like the same extent

if there had not been a considerable amount of discontent on

which the agitators could work.

•

The unfortunate aspect of the matter is not

that the men have gained a victory or that the employers have

sustained a defeat but that concessions which were not

granted when the Besmen's Union appreached the shipowners have been made as the result of a strike organised by a political party in Canton. The Kwok Man Tong has undoubtedly

gained "face" as a result, It has shown that it can paralyze

the trade of liongeng and it must be expected that it will

again mpley similar tactics whenever it desires to gain

seme object, which is likely in the future to be of a moto

directly political mature. It is impossible to regard this

position without grave apprehension in view of the character

of Jun Yat Sen and the nature of the principles advocated by