TNAG-0231-FCO40-267-Conditions-of-employment-of-labour-force-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 105

Mr havid

Mr. G.E. Kinnear

(Hong Kong Department)

Hong Kong:

Confidential

Reference.

HXX 5/16 65

Proposed Visit by Mr. H.L. Gibson

I had a visit last week from Mr. Greenhalgh and Mr. Gibson concerning a proposal that the latter should pay a short visit to Hong Kong early in June to make contact with the Right Wing trade unions - in particular the Hong Kong Textile Workers Union. He wishes to explore in greater depth than had been possible during his previous visit the general organization of the Textile Workers Union, the spread of its membership and the effectiveness of its bargaining status, with a view to determining how the organization can be made more effective.

2. This is a development which we can welcome in the light of the recent Security report which we discussed and in which it was suggested that a strengthening of the Right Wing unions was the best bulwark against the Communists. I think therefore that we should commend this visit to the Hong Kong Government and ask that the Department of Labour give him any assistance that might be thought appropriate.

3. The timing of the visit is as follows:-

(a) Leave London for Hong Kong

Friday 5 June arriving Saturday 6 June.

(b) Leave Hong Kong Tuesday 16 June

arriving South Korea same day.

(c) Leave Korea Friday 19 June for U.S.A.

(G. Doggon) 4 May 1970

Confidential

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Mr. Laird