TNAG-0530-FCO40-625-Trade-union-relations-in-Hong-Kong-industry-1975 — Page 24

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single electoral process conducted throughout the whole territory, with full participation by political parties and not just the ethnic groups.

It might be asked how the delegates from Namibia responded to the views of the Government.

Hong Kong

The main issue which might be raised concerns the appointment of a trade unionist to the Hong Kong Legisla- tive Council. The Governor of Hong Kong met some members of the General Council on December 3, and maintained that such a nomination was not possible in view of the likely adverse reaction in Pekin and the unco-operative attitude of Pekin-orientated unions in Hong Kong. He argued that the extension of consultation to working people in Hong Kong should take place through the extension of neighbourhood mutual aid committees. It might be pointed out that there exists a sizeable group of independent unions from which individuals might be selected - if the Governor's fears åre well-based - who could put forward a trade union point of view to offset the views of the numerous businessmen on the Legislative Council.

Another current issue concerns a study in depth of the situation in Hong Kong which the Foreign and Common- wealth Secretary has in mind. The Governor has maintained that the study should be conducted on an academic level, possibly by Dr. W. Macarthy. There are various detailed and practical issues of observance of ILO conventions, of trade union organisation, and of Hong Kong trade union law and its application which would arise in such a study, and the view might be expressed that a trade unionist, and perhaps an employer representative, should be associated with it.

Rhodesia

On December 1 it was announced that a constitutional settlement in Rhodesia is to be discussed between the Smith regime and the African National Council faction led by Joshua Nkomo. Negotiating teams are said to be going to start on detailed constitutional negotiations leading to agreement on constitutional issues, followed by a constitutional conference at a mutually agreed venue outside Rhodesia, possibly in London since the British Parliament is the body to give consent to full legal independence for Rhodesia.