TNAG-0010-FCO40-46-Kowloon-disturbances-1986 — Page 114

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members of the Communist Unions as opposed to 70,000 others. There is a complete split between Communist and K.M.T. unions. The Communist Unions are basically

I have disinterested in genuine industrial issues. been engaged in discussion with the Hong Kong Government, through the Governor, about labour reforms. The employers, who have in the past shown a considerable amount of resistance to reforms are at present very anxious about the general situation and we could immediately carry through extensive and long-overdue labour reforms,

I would like to

do this. It would be welcomed by the average worker in Hong Kong and would give us a better moral position,

Nevertheless but it would be unlikely to satisfy China.

if the Chinese were to seek a lowering of the temperature, this would give the C..G. a face-saving formula. I recommend that we should press the Governor to go ahend vigorously with improvements in the labour legislation including early steps to shorten the hours of work of women and young persons.

(iii)

Other Matters

Facilities to the U.S.

In the background of our difficulties with the C.T.G. lies their irritation at the facilities which the U.S. forces in Vietnam enjoy in Hong Kong. We have latterly restricted visits of warships to the same number as last year and more recently have suggested that larger ships should not come. I do not recommend any further immediate action since any significant diminution would be claimed

But I by the Chinese as a propaganda victory. am sure that this is something that we should keep under review in the longer term.

Commonwealth Office, S. 24th May, 1967

H. Ba

2010

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