CONFIDENTIAL
2.
sanctions. Certainly the threat has disturbed the Hong Kong Shipowners Association whose members include the owners of the 27 ships mentioned in paragraph 4. Additionally, the Employers Federation of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (Shipping Sub-Committee) are watching the situation carefully. One of the members of these latter organisations, Messrs. Sun Hing Shipping Co., Ltd., agents in Hong Kong for Zim Israel Navigation C., Ltd., has written to the Superintendent of the Seamen's Recruiting Office seeking enlightenment of the situation in Australia, prior to engaging a crew in Hong Kong for an Israeli flag vessel, which will trade regularly between Japan and Australia.
7.
The ban, if imposed fully in Australia and elsewhere, could of course have serious repercussions in Hong Kong since trade inevitably would be disrupted, not necessarily in Hong Kong itself but the effects could be felt here. Also, any large scale and relatively quick switch from Hong Kong crews would create a redundancy situation in Hong Kong with attendant social, economic and political repercussions.
8.
This matter has been discussed briefly with the Commissioner of Labour and following this memorandum with report attached, you may wish to consider what measures, if any, should be taken here to safeguard Hong Kong's best interests. I am available to attend any discussion on the matter.
c.c.
Hon. C. of L.
Hon. D.C. & I. P.A.
CONFIDENTIAL
(A. Fletcher) Director of Marine.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.