CO129-512-2 Political situation in China- and Canton 31-5-1929 - 13-11-1929 — Page 13

1

- 3-

IZA

The second matter relates to the position of the

Chinese Seamen's Union at Hong Kong.

According to my

informants the branch of the Union in Hong Kong was

dissolved by the Hong Kong Government in 1927 as a part of

the preventive action against communism then undertaken.

No authorisation has since been given to re-open the

branch.

I have not myself made any enquiries with regard to these alleged grievances, and, as I have already said,

I am not writing to you about them in an official capacity.

and Nevertheless, when the representatives of workers

come to me with

especially of workers such as the Chinese seamen, whose lowly situation and weak organisation make them particularly in need of protection and assistance their troubles, I feel it a duty to do anything a public man can do by a personal letter. I am certain, therefore, that you will fully understand my motives in writing to you, and I very much hope that you will find it possible to give me such information conceming the questions at issue as will go far to remove the sense of grievance which

is felt by the Chinese seamen.

Yours sincerely,

(Sd.) Albert Thomas.