Red Links Seen In Nauru Strike
p. 27 · Read in the full issue
A STRIKE among Chinese and Gilbert and Ellice labourers on Nauru lasting for about three weeks in April and May, almost halted the phosphate industry there. It resulted in more than 100 Chinese being repatriated at their own request to Hong Kong, in four chartered aircraft.
The strike involved about 600 labourers, who made about 30 claims to the BPC. Many claims were not industrial demands, but minor adminis trative complaints.
Some observers felt Chinese ringleaders had incited the strike to coincide with the anti-British riots in Hong Kong and Red Chinese attacks on Britain. Ringleaders also played on the fact that many GEIC labourers, jealous of the Nauruans’ prosperity, feel they should have a greater stake in Nauru. Nauru’s Administrator, Brig. L. D. King, in Canberra for phosphate talks, flew back briefly to Nauru in early May.
With him went two Commonwealth Police officers and BPC officials.
The strikers returned to work following a promise to examine their claims. They were also offered repatriation before their contracts ex pired. More than 100 Chinese accepted this offer —at a time when they were far from welcome in Hong Kong. They have not yet been replaced.