TNAG-1143-FCO40-1423-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 137

BACKGROUND NOTE

67

500

RFA vessels have about Hong Kong Chinese serving on them, in addition self

employed laundrymen are embarked on HM Ships. There are distinct differences

between the two categories; the RFA crew members sign articles before serving

on a RFA vessel and are subject to the normal maritime conditions whereas

the laundrymen are self employed volunteers who carry out personal services

for private gain.

Enhancements in pay and allowances were negotiated with the HK Chinese

sailors before entering the war zone and MOD indemnified the New Zealand

insurance company against their liabilities to the self employed laundrymen.

The MOD Welfare Services in Hong Kong are busy ensuring that families are

kept fully informed. All next of kin of the dead and wounded have been visited

and contact maintained with the remainder.

Payments of compensation are complete for the self employed and part payments

have been made for the RFA crews, with the remainder to follow. The dependants

will have the opportunity to apply to the South Atlantic Fund.

22/6

The

лите

This is the mod's unite for Sir Anthony

Roghn PQ on

Розий

Mr. Willian fungere

Thank you.

Hongkong Searman

Lam

Juichiam

21.6

provided answers

2

22k

Have Mod provided

Is the PA's two

te

Hiee

& questions

020/2

K

PCD 2016

t