CO129-477 - Public Offices - 1922 — Page 21

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Enclosure to Letter 1.41280.

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The Seamen'■ Strike at Kongkong lasted from 14th January to 6th March 1922, and from about 28th February produced a general strike of all Chinese workers in Hongkong. The main course of events during the strike was, on the whole, mormal, following the lines of recent big strikes in England.

Two abnormal features of the strike were the intimidation exercised upon other Chinese workers to make them strike and the anti-foreign feeling which the strike indused.

The anti-foreign feeling was fostered by political societies and malcontents at Canton, encouraged, there is evidence to believe, by Sun Yat Sen.

The anti-foreign feeling did not attain serious proportions, but at the request of the Consul-General Canton, I despatched H.M.S. "Foxglove" to Canton on 5th March to ensure protection of British life and property against possible anti-foreign demonstrations

On the 6th March the strike ended and anti-foreign activity rapidly died doveti. "Foxglove" was withdraw from Canton the situation being in all respects normal on 19th March,

At the request of the General Officer Commanding Hongkong, I arrange for a Naval battalion to be in all respects ready to land during the latter part of the strike, in anticipation of possible riota, etc., Their services were not required. Unarmed parties of N aval ratings were landed to maintain certain essential services such as the Power Station, Pumping Station, etc., and to assist at the Hospitals all boys having gone on strike. Butchers and Bakers were also landed and under the direction of Commander P.R.Stevens, DSO..

of H.H.S. 'Alaority" assistance was given in mintaining the food supply of the Colony.

At the request of His Excellency the Governor, an Examination Service was instituted to prevent persons illegally leaving the Colony by water, It was in operation from 2nd to 8th March, under the supervision of Lieut-Commander R.Gregory R.N.,

Future strikes accompanied by intimidation, and anti- foreign propaganda, appear to be probable. The recent strike proved the efficiency of the Chinese Strike Organisationsy but it has also been a valuable lesson to the Coloby which will never again be caught as in the present instance, totally unprepared for such an experience.

A question arose at Jesselton as regards the official position of the Governor of British North Borneo who is appointed by the Directors of the British North Borneo Company. Formerly Governord of Forth Borneo were appointed by the British Government Governors of the British Colony of Labuan, and as such were entitled to a salute of 17 gimi. Now however that Labuan is governed from Singapore he would not appear to be entitled to any official recognition whatever. The situation was complicated by the presence of the Chairman of the British North Borneo Company at the time of my visit.