1922-03-11 — Page 5

Page

THE

SEAMEN'S

STRIKE.

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENT

NEGOTIATIONS.

▸

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, MARCH 11mm - 1922.

There is published in the current issue of the Government Gosélte a "Notice"" an account of the part played by the Government in the negotiations In view of the interest in the subject, and as `many during the recgot strikė. roaders will doubtless destro to, preserve the report for reference, we reprint it below, in full. The cross-headings, supplied for the sake of alarness and con wegiance, are ours

COMMENCEMENT OF THE

STRIKE.

GOVERNMENT OFFERS TO APPOINT ARBITRATORS.

THE DEMAND FOR RE-OPENING

THE UNION.

11

ported Inter in the evening that the dele gates were unable to sign the document

The delegates returned to Canton on the 15th February and they came back to Hongkong on the 17th February with as worded, while Mr. Sutherland had no certain suggestions which were considered authority to alter the wording in any by the hipowners on the 10th February, material particular, and so A further The shipowners' decision was conveyed to | meeting between the shipowners and the the delegates on the 20th February by the seamen was rearged for the "following Secretary for Chinese Affairs, and the morning, de'egates left for Canton on the Xisb February. On the Sith February a lettor was handed to the Secretary for Chinese „Affairs stating that the seamen were not prepared to seqypt the proposis made.

SHIPOWNERS' INCREASE OF 91 PER CENT.

THE ENGINEERS' SOCIETY BURGUTLATA.

On the 7th February the following

On the 22nd February a telegram had telegraphic correspondence took place:-been received from HIM. Consul-General From H.M. Consul-General, Canton, to at Canton, suggesting that there were

CABLES.

LATEST CARLĖS,

{THROCOM ARCTER'S AGENCY.]

TREATY OF SEVRES.

LONDON STARTLED BY INDIAN

* GOTERNMENT'S ACTION.....

Zita

GENOA, CONFERENCE.

FRENCH NEWSPAPER COMMENT

ON SITUATION.

FARIS, March 10th. The newspapers anticipate the failure of the Genoa Conference in conse- COMMENTS ON MR. MONTAGU'S RESIGNATION.quence of America's refusal to partí,

SIR ROBERT HO TUNG'S OFFER. On the th March, prior to the meeting Sir R. Ho Tung approached the Govern ment with an offer which he was pre pared to make in order to facilitate settlement; and he was informed that was at liberty to convey this offer, to much partie, us he might think fit. The Gov-papers which feature yesterday's parlia- that without America the confervoes?" crament, was unabo itself to make use of meritary debates and correspondence would simply be a meeting of insolvent debtors. The Information says it will be the offer, as it did not wish to intervene under large headings."'", in the ecotomic side of the disputes

LONDON, March 10th.. cipate. The Temps declare that the Genou Mr. Montagu's resignation is the topic enterprise is bankrupt and should be re- of the moment. Photographs and details placed immediately by another and better of his career are given prominence in the conceived plan. The Goulose is of opinion

The morning papers practically without long before Europe settles her debts with

the 13th Governor, Hongkway, dated 7th February good grounds for believing that an the 5th March, and an agreement was con- / exoption agree that Mr. Montagu's ro America; but if instead of, hoarding gold

The strike commenced January. On the same day the Govern ment published a proclamation in. Chinese offering to appoint arbitrators for the purpose of settling the dispute. On the 17th January the Government published

further proclamation in Chinese in which it set forth without comment ab ffer made by the shipowners, and re newed its offer to appoint arbitrators, if the seamed were still dissatisfied. On that evening the Secretary for Chinese Aire! and the Chinese Representatives on the Legistative Council went to the Seamen's Union and explained in detail, the exnet meaning of the proclamation.

AN INITIAL MISUNDERSTANDING. On the 17th January Mr. A. E. Wood was sent lo Cantor." Mr. Wood was at the the stationed at Taipo, and owing to a misunderstanding he left Taipo by Arain for Canton before his instructions rachel him. A telegram was sent on the

Urgent. Your telegram 4th February round increase of some

Leaders of movement through Coin-

per cent. on the missioner of Foreign Affairs inform owners original offer would be accepted. me that they are prepared to pro-On the 24th February the Engineers oved to Hongkong to confer with Society came forward with a similar sug owners ou condition that offices of Union be opened again, and ongestion and offered to negotiate for a guarantee of freedoni from arrest. x-ttlement on this basis. They state that they are not res-

The Government informed the ship ponsible for intimidation in the Colony, and to appear at a confer owners of these proposals and suggested ence as members of an outinwed that, as it seemned. Okely that the offer of society would place them in a false auch an increase would bring. the men' position. Measa þelegraph reply,”

back immediately to work and would pre- From Gazerner, Hongkong, to H.M.

Consul-Gentral. Cuntun, dated vent a general strike, it would be wise to add some per cont. to the Sgures *Delegates will be given sale conduct. [shown in the notice of the 9th February but ion cannot be re-opened. which is quoted above. That notice still

ath d'ebruary.

ܪ܂

stood.

Guild.

The further conference took place on

cluded and signed in the afternoon.

signation was the inevitable outcome of America brought a realisable, plan to GOVERNMENT'S DISCUSSION WITH his action concerning publication of the Genga she might be paid sooner.

:

*** THE DELEGATES.

Government of India's minute which is The Guvernment's representatives there- generally regarded as a cardinal blunder. upon met the seamen's delegates, who put The Conservative papers frankly express forward the following matters for discus-relief and do not hesitate to couple the

sion |---

(a) The re-opening of the Seamen's name of the Viceroy with that of the

"Uniou.

Indina Secretary. They suggest that the whole affair constituted an audaciona attempt to jockey the British Government into a new policy without ita knowledge

จ

(6) The question of persons in custody

in connection with the strike. (e) The question of banishment of men

bers of the Seamen's Unn.

The Liberal organs, on the other hand regret the loss of an excellent Secretary of State, though they freely admit that resignation was a natural corollary to mistaken toties.

General anxiety is expressed by paperi

of all shades fest the incident be mis understood in India and serve to increase difficulties which are already very serious. The Duke of Devonshire is mentioned as Mr. Montagu's successor,

(d) A claim by the guild that they for consent.

should be allowed to send an inter preter to attend the signing on or Point in last sentence" need not

It pointed out clearly that the

off of articles by Chinese samen. aris i delegats come as repre- sentatives of senmen in Canton and ship-owners". offer covered only "the in-

(*) The collision between Chinese and not of Caion. Intimidation is us mediate present, and that the scale would

and armed Government forces on doubtedly rife here, and in Canton

the Shatin Road on the 4th March and Sheklung.

Are the Union be increased or lowered in the sole dis

RE-OPENING OF THE UNION. authorities, in view of their state-cretion of the arbitrators. The shipown- ment, prepared to issue repudiationers added 2 per cent. to their previous

With regard to (a) the Government's of intimidation and to make it clear figures and an the 24th February this representatives referred to the Govern. that men who wish to return to information wild negraphed to Cantonment's former proclamation regarding the work need not fear the cons and was communicated to the Engineers 1-opening of the gulld, and agreed that a public announcement by the delegates quences!

The seamen refuted the new of a complate settlement would meet the terms. SHITOWNERS RENEW THEIR

conditions then imposed. On the 25th February, "H.M. Const.- OFFER.

Geteral telegraphed that he had informa tion to the effect that, if a meeting between the shipowner and the sea men's delegates could be arranged, there was every prospect of a sette

On the 1st March a reply ment. sent by the Hongkong Government that the shipowners were willing to meet that, in order to avoid further abortiv proceedings, the Government considered it to be highly desirable that the delegates should be fully empowered to make a settlement.

PRESONS IN CUSTODY.

EARLIER CABLES.

AMERICAN OPINION:

NEW YORK, March 10th. Some of the papers are disappointed. the broadest posible evidence of Europe's The Ford says the Genoa Conference is sincere effort to pull itself together, but when it turns to Amerien for advies it geds kicks in response.

ון

MARLIER CABLES. AMERICA DISAPPROVES RECOG NITION OF THE SOVIET

WASHINGTON, March 9th. A communication, to Italy containing the Genoa decision states that America's

participation in any general European conference is impossible at present, owing to the complete failure of the European nations to adopt proper "measures for remedying the ravages of war and ensur ing stabilisation of their economic life.

America, having hitherto pursued a policy of non-recognition of the Soviet regine, does not agree with the partizipa. tion of Russia in, the Genoa conference.

LATER.

Mr. Hughes, in his Note to the Italian Ambassador,, Signor Ricci,, in regard to the Genoa conference, emphasises that the United States Government is animated by a keen desire for the economic re- habilitation of Europe, and regrets that it is impossible not to conclude that the not primarily proposed conference economic-since questions have apparent- by been excluded without a satisactory On the eve of the nesembling of the determination of which the chief causes

fernoon ordering Mr. Wood to take no action until he received his in-f structions, but the telegun was delayed en route, and on the morning of the 18th

On the 8th February the shipowners, on January Mr. Wood had an interview with the Civil Governor, although he was not the suggestion of the Government, aware of the actual state of affairs in owed their offer which had been with Hongkong.. Matters were "thereby put drawn on the 18th January; and the Gov. into same confusion, anil on the zard ernment thereupon issued the following January the Secretary for Chinese Affairs notice in Chinese, emphasising the peint semen's delegates. It was addened for offences again t the law, but they conference in Paris to settled Near East-of economic disturbance most continue to went to Canton in order to explain fully that the offer was not firally binding on to H-M. Consul General the exact posi. either side, but was subject to revision by

the arbitrators.

zion

On the 18th January the Government "At the suggestion of the Governor, the issed a further proclantation in Chinese shipowners are willing to reinstate their to the effect that the shipowners had former, affer of increased wages to tuke withdrawn their previous offers, and it effect from the day on which the seamen reiterated its suggestion of arbitration. return to work. This scale of wages is merely a lemporary scale pending arbit PROPOSALS FROM CANTON. On the 20th January H.M. Consul-ration and is on no account to be taken General śruimmitted certain proposals purns a basis from which the arbitrators will forward by the seamen, which had been work. Addition to it or subtraction the Civil from it are alike within this sole discre communicated to him by Governor. Apart from matters connected tion of the arbitrators. The scale offer with wages, the proposals contained theed is repented below:- following demands:-

The arbitration Board shall be estab Jished at Canton.

The Arbitration Board shall consist of the following:-

(u.) Representative of the Cautos Gov-

eroment.

(5.) Representative of the Hongkong)

Government.

() Representative of H.B.M. Consul

General.

(Representative of the European

Shipowners.

(e.) Peraesentative of the Chinese Ship

owners,

U) Representative of the Chinese Sca

men.

له الليلة

25%%

Chinese River Steamers ... Other Chuese steamers up to 1,000

D.W. tona .....

.25 L Canton, ongkong

Aded "Bizaburt" "Lors aleathers.....15% Other : Aritism" „Corpumes" nyer

steaners, taking the scaló di Caulon; dongkong ana macho Steamboat Co. as pase .................15% Consung steamers Java Les Pacific Lines European Lines Australian lines

.12.

73% 71%

71% .10%

FARTICIPATION BY THE TUNG WA HOSPITAL COMMITTEE · in the meantime the Committs of the

DR. JAMIESON COMES TO ' HONGKONG. »

was

In answer to (b) the Gavernment's re presentatives and that they would ask the Governor to release persons who were held in custody solely on the ground that they were members of the Union. They would inform the Governor that the delegates had raised the question of men imprison- could hold out no hope of remission of

sentence.

"QUESTION OF SÅNISHMENT.

"

THE BOMBSHELL.

LONDON, March 9th.

13

orn queations, London has been started operate; but rather that it is a political by the publication in Delhi of a despatch conference, in which the United States of the Indian Government to Mr. Mon could not helpfully participate. tagu, requesting modification of the

The United States Governmen!

is

men's Union would be banished on the sign of Sevres, specifying that conces anxious to do its utmost to promote the

In reply to (c) an assurance wargivon that no officers or members of the San-

ground of holding office or of member.hip.

SIGNING OF ARTICLES.

the

be made with Turkey, A further sensation was caused in the welfare of Russia, but restoration of the A further tejcgrain was sent on the 1st

afternoon when Mr. Chamberlain an economic conditions which will permit nounced that Mr. Montagu, who sanction Russia to regain her productive power March asking Dr. Jamieson to come to

In connection with (d) the Government's ed publication without consulting his cannot be secured until those chiefly res Hongkong to discuss the situation; and

representatives were impressed by a state colleagues, had resigned and that his reponsible for Russia's present economic arrived on the 2nd March. On the 2nd March telegrains were received from the articles were written in English only and

ment made by the delegates that ship's signation had been accepted.

disorder have taken adequzio action. Peading the establishment of Consulate at Canton that delegates with not in Chinese and that in many cases MR. MONTAGU'S RESPONSIBILITY essential bases of productivity in Russia, men signed under the impression that they "A short debate on Mr. Montagu's ro without whien all consideration. of fut powers were coming on the 4th March, and they arrived cordingly.

On the 3rd March it was arranged that were refused to them when they went on elucidated the fact that the Indian Gov-be done with a view to obtaining economic were entitled to various privileges which signation, in the House of Commons, economic revival is futile, nothing should the Hongkong Government should not be ship-board. It was agreed that any mem represented at the conference, but the bers of the Union who so desired should ads und cable by Healer to London. the just opportunities of others. The re- ernment's despatch was published in advantages in Russia which would impair Government accepted a suggestion from be allowed to take with them to the sign-Mr. Chamberlain cemarked that he first sources of Russia should be free from ex- Dr. Jamieson that he should be presuni in an unofficial capacity. It was further on or off of article an interprolar learned of it by the morning papers. He ploitation, but a fair and equal opportu arranged that, in the event of a settle this agreement was not to apply to for mission of Mr. Montagu to publish the of fussia and of all the Powers.

from the Union; with the proving that said, the Indian Government anked pornity should be preserved in the interest arrived at between the ship cign

cign Consulate. It was further stated the seamen, the

represents that the matter of improving the Govern despatch, and Mr. Montagu's sanction of tives of the Hongkong Government should ment's arrangements for providing an publication without consulting his col- subsequently meet the seamen in order to adequate interpretation of articles would leagues led to his resignation. consider any proposa affecting the be looked into. Government that they might wish to paz forward for discussion. The Secretary For Chincas Afairs, Attorney-General, and Clerk of Councils were appointed to re present the Government.

ment OWNCTя

bria

THE SHATIN INCIDENT. The last point (e) was met by a promise that a public judicial enquiry would be beld and that the Government would be prepared to consider favourably the giv- persons who had been killed or injured.

FINAL STEPS:

PREES OPINION.

The Daily Telegraph says this remark- able document, ulmat pro-Turk.sh in its

THE TWO DAYS' CONFERENCE.ing of compensation in the case of any which is only intelligible by the gravity already unsuccessfully tried to overcome

"The number of the members of this Tang Woh "Hospital bad proposed to the i ment delcgates wou'd meet the Govern- been come to, and they issued a notice that his warning was justifed

Tho

LATIR

cag races to allay the growing alienation of the Mohammedan minority, chanenges LONDON, March 9th.

the Imperial Government's entire policy The unprecedented action of the Indian in the Near and Middle East, which was Government in publicly formulating a settled in conjunction with 'Paris and policy for the Imperial Government, Rome. The document does not inspire" cabled yesterday, bas startled London confidence in the wisdom or firmness of break with a constitutional tradition the Reading Administration, which has The conference between the shipowners and the seamen took place on the 4th

of the situation in India. All the papers disaffection by sectional concesions. March, and it was announced late in the

comment on it, and two groups of opinion afternoon that a settioment had been The delegates thereupon agreed that Mail, which republish the Northcliffe in reached. It was then arranged that the settment satisfactory in every detail had terview cabled on January 24th, point out Aubrey Herbert asked whether the f

are noticeable. The Times and the Daily MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S STATEMENT. In the House of Commons, Colonel 7 representatives at Board shall be decided by the Chinese Government that they should use their meeting took place accordingly, but, as

p.m The to that effect on the same evening. and British Government's after due con good offices in bringitig about a settle proceedings were about to cummence Jr. Governor in Council rescinded the Order- runt must receive the fullest. cider patch specifying modifications in the On the morning of the 8th March the Times says the views of the Indian Gov. perial or the Indian Government approv considera cd of the publication of the latter's des sideration, and this Board shall have the fent. Other leading members of the R. Sutherland. Chairman of the Ship-in Council declaring the Seamen's Union tion at the forthcoming Near fall power, to settle the strike. Chinese Cuntmunity were subsequently as owners' Committee, brought in for signs to be an unlawful society, and on the officially given goes far to commit the from Delhi was published by the Indian

Treaty of Bevres. All seamen shall be employed through sociated with them, and on the 8th Feb ture the agreement between the shipowners same evening the necesary steps were British Government

Conference in Paris and says the publicity Mr. Chamberlain" said the telegram. the Union, so that no commission is to ruary the ang Wah Hospital, is, ropre-, and the seamen which had been conclu bu taken to release parsons held in custody The Daily Mail Bays even if the demand Government with the sanction of Mr.

to their support. be paid to the Compradores.

seating the Chinese of the Colony, tele-verbally and had since boon set out In

on the ground of membership of the No agreement in connection with the graphed to Canton asking the seamen to writing by the shipowners. The Govern employment of seamen shall have effect, sond delegates to discuss a settlement ment's representatives thereupon with other persons who had been detained for to be said for such a policy.

Boomen's Union, and also a Lumber of garrison at Constantinople there is much ed. Mr. Chamberlain abstained from involves the withdrawal of the British Montagu. No other Minister was consult. unless the Chinese Seamen's Union has with them. The delegates arrived on the drew, as the Government was in no way further enquiry in connection with the

commenting on the subject matter of the 12th February and on the following day, responsible for the agreement. It was re- general strika

The Daily News says a prudent modi- telegram, though, he said its terms, ex- at a meeting at the Tung Wah Hospital

fication of the Sevres Treaty is undoubt ceeded even the demands of the warmest they declared that they could not carry

edly an e scatial preliminary to the res friends of the Turks. The publication of toration of confidence amongst the Indian such a pronouncement without consulta- people. It asks whether the Home Cor- tion with or the consent of the Cabinet ernment is prepared to support Lord raised a different question, which was all Reading's liberal and wise policy or to the more important because it was on the allow the fast-developing crisis to pasa ove of the conference at Paris when there into the charge of the military. The seemed the prospect of laying the basis Westminster Gazette, while declaring that of peace with the Turks and Greeks. The the settlement with Turkey must be up- Government was unable to reconcile the held in the territories which the Bulten publication of the telegram, on the sole lost," says it is impossible to defend the responsibility of Mr. Montagn, with the attack in Asia Minor by the Grecks. This collective responsibility of the Cabinet, falso stop by the Allies must be retraced or with the duty which all Governments policy in Asia Minor must be reversed, if of Imperis! concern.

The Daily Express says the whole of our of the Empire owed each other on matters

been a witness to it.

No seamen or officer of the Seamen's Union in Hongkong shall be banished for any charge, which has no proof.

The mutter further until the settlement of

THE GOVERNMENT'S REPLY.

the question of the re-opening of the Seamen's Union, which had been closed On the 27th January, the following teleby the Government on the 1st February gmphic reply was sent:-

as being an unlawful society. The matter **For Civil Governor, Canton. Your was accordingly referred on the 14th Feb

despatch 28th January. Proposal ruary to the Government, who on the 16th that Beamon should only be February issued a proclamation in Chin- ployed through the Union, and eso in the following terms:- agreements should have no effect ** On instructions from the Government, nale Union has been a witness the Secretary for Chiness Affairs has makes"any discussion useless."

communicated the following decision to Requirements of the Merchant Ship the seamen's `representatives:-

ping Law would in any case make it impossible to accept these con uitions to say nothing of inter- antional questions arising in cases of foreign owned ships.” *Propsal to arbitrate at Canton.canaci

in any case be considered:" **The ostensible grounds for strike are solely questions of wages. Ownert are still prepared to refer these to arbitration by Board appointed by: my Government and suggest that Union should employ delegates to confer with them here to settle pro

·Tuminarios,”-

STUDER. Between the 4th and tho 7th February ceria in Hongkong Guilds came forward. with proposals that they should assist in to negotiations with the seamen in Car dan, and hair offers were at once nocept

1.The Seamen's Union was closed be

cause it exceeded ita legitimatu bounds and broke the law of Hong- kong, not because it naked for za in- crease of wagen.

2-The Governor absolute y requires

propt of freedom from unlawfulness before he can change his pro ent attitude. 3.-If it is desired to give proof of

freedom from unlawfulness, all sen mea and all workmen whom they involved in the strike must return to work and Hongkong resume its nor. mas! condition, before it can be con- sidered that proof of freedom from unlawfulness has been furnished. 4.-It all come back to work first on

conditions offered by the shipowners and await the award of the arbitra- tor, the Govertor will cancel the proclamation closing the Union.”“.

the

STRIKES IN CANTON 1921,

The Canton Times sayāï- The year 1921 was a`noted of strikes in Canton. According to investi

your gation, there were more than eight hundred "Hongs" organizing different inde- pendent associations in the city last year. simply leads the

The organizing of such aociations way to improve the workmen's livelihood, and strikes for increasing of wages were occasionally initiated. "The various strikes last year ended success- fully. The strikers made a solid stand in the fight for their rights. Their achieve- mants were only personal movementa. No outsiders interfered or gave assistance to them. The following is a summary of the result of the various strikes that took place in the city of Canton 1921:

Occupations.

Date of Strike:

Date of Settlement

Namber Wages of Workers

20/

June 13, 1021 Fab. 10, 1929 15. Sept 6, 1921 : June 8, 1021 Dec. 17, 1921 Nov. 28, 1921

Aug

192*60

Mat-shed builders

May 1, 1921, Firo-crackers makers

May 21, 1921, Painters...

May 22, 1921, Mechanics

May 26, 1021, Ten-pickers

July 12, 1021 Oil

producers

7. 1921 Aug. Tea-house Waiters

Aug. 121821, 154 1821

A 26, 1921 binzons #

Aug. 16, 1921, Butchers

A-25, 1921 :: Ox

Aug. 19, 1921,

35 Sept. 5, 1921 Potters

'Oct,

Doc.

8, 1991 failed 1991, Cet 1921. Oct. "a" 1021 40* Makers of Chinese Shoen, Sept. 20, Makers of Foreign Shooa

Oct. 28, 1927, Foreign Deras makers... Nov. 11, 1921, Paper markers

Doc. 14, 1821, Dec. 14, 1921, Aug. 10, 121, Doc. 10, 1921, Jan. 2, 1922, Jan. .9, 1922 Jan. 7, 1921,

Tob

11, 1021 Jan 29, 1921, Jan. 90, 1921

PINESBEE Workers

Barbers. Laundryisen Wine Distillers.... Wooden Box, makers

2,500 850 520

3,400 2,800 3,450

4

· 8,040 0,400 1,200

2,300

3,900

6:0

1,400

260

10% 30

240 $3,430

120.

-1,200

1,790

Not tsettled Not settled 3400

Νον. Nov

Not

8, 1927

11, 1021 30

settled "Not settled Not settled

Not settled Dec. 25, 1821

Not settled Not settled

it is not too late...

Treaty of

Mr. Chamberlain said such indépendent The Daily Herald says the

declarations destroyed unity of policy,. Serres must be scrapped and a really which was vital in foreign affairs, and National Conference of Indians convoked

with perhaps, representatives of the gravely imperilled the success of impend- Mr. Montagu had British and Dominions Parliaments with ing negotiations.

tendered his resignation (Loud and pro- a view to granting genuine self-govern longed cheers) and His Majesty had

mont.

The Morning Post says it is a plain hint approved its scooplange, hat when the that Indian udrest must be allayed by Foreign Secretary proceded to Paris to changes in Imperial policy elsewhere. If discuss the Eastern settlement with the such an attitude continuca, the British Foreign Ministers of France and Italy it would be his object to arrive at a solution give The Daily Chronicle

Empire won't last very long. that as equitablo to, all parties. He would

trustees not merely of India, but of Bouth due weight to the opinion of Indian Eastern Europe and the Christian popals Mohammedans, as expressed by the Gor Lions in the Near East, in addition to our ernment of India, but he could not hold international engagements, we cannot himself down to accept any solution sub. accept the suggestions of the Indian Gov. mitted by that Goverment erament an they stand India must not

In the course of an ensuing short de aspire to rights greater than those enjoy bate, Mr. Chamberlaa said be was un

ed by any Dominion.

(Continued at foot of next column.)

able to promise & day for discussi

Continued on page 6.)