CO129-615-1 Labour Department- future development 13-6-1946 - 11-11-1947 — Page 14

I have discussed this further with

Mr. Grossmith.

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The opinion expressed by Sir D. Mackenzie-Kennedy as to Mr. Baker's "uncertainty in distinguishing between his loyalty to Trade Unionism and his duties as a civil servant" must give one certain doubts in recommending his appointment to Hong Kong, where the Trade Union movement is no doubt far from being settled in its organisation and relations with the Government. It would seem, however, that Mr. Baker's position in Mauritius has latterly been somewhat anomalous, and that the Governor's remarks may not do full justice to him.

I think we may therefore proceed with the appointment of Mr. Baker as Labour Officer in Hong Kong, but it will be essential to have it made clear that he is a member of the Labour Department, under the direction of the Commissioner of Labour and not the sort of free lance that he has evidently been in Mauritius.

Sir G. Orde-Browne is away sick, but Mr. Grossmith tells me that he was in favour of this proposal.

Mr. Baker will presumably have to be offered appointment some considerable way up the Hong Kong scale, as I understand he is already getting £700 a year in Mauritius.

Secretary of State.

26th February, 1947.

I am troubling you with this because you yourself suggested a few days ago that Mr. Baker should be considered for the new appointment of Labour Adviser in the Labour Department of Hong Kong. Vicer

I agree with the proposal in

Mr. Seel's minute that this should be offered to him. Mr. Baker's present post is temporary. The new Hong Kong post is permanent but subject to probation. In view of Mr. Baker's service in Mauritius, the probationary period can, I think, be reduced to eighteen months and the offer should be on this basis.

In

I feel that we should, however, carry the Governor with us over the offer of a salary substantially above the minimum. view of Mr. Baker's age, previous experience in this country and his service in Mauritius, I should suggest the Governor starting him on

£700