192

BUREAU INTERNATIONAL OU TRAVAIL INTERNATIONAL LAROUR OFFICE.

-•z: OBJET. SUBJECT.
Dossier no. File No.

// /^s/
Date

Lettre | Enregistrement | / / /
LetterJ Registration \ f/

Dossiers connexes. Y
Other relevant papers.
[Jf’nsA. 6-^L

Transmis h Transmis a Transmis a

Date Date Date
Referred to Referred to Referred to

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M.A.11/1/45/1

t,$y dear Mr. Hi Isen,

I thank you for your letter of 4 January in which
you are kind, enough to afford me further details regarding
the decision of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade
Unions to maintain its attitude of non-representation
at meetings of ths International Labour Organisation.
I repeat that it would be a personal loss to me as
well as to the seamen's cause generally if, as a result
of this decision, you were compelled to withdraw from
collaboration with this Office. It is, at any rate, a
source of gratification to know that you will, if at all
possible, take part in the next Session of the Joint
Maritime Commission which, it is hoped, will take place
before the next International Labour Conference in May.
I look forward therefore to meeting you in person at the
next meeting of this Commission.
I still firmly believe that co-operation with the
International Labour Organisation on the part of the orsranieet
seamen of Norway is more likely to lead to a general
amelioration of tho conditions of a sailor's life,whether
on board ship or ashore, than if such co-operation is lacking
I shall therefore be very glad if you will keep me advised
of any developments, and I shall only be too happy to afford
you any information I can which may assist in arriving at^,5.
a happy
/ solution.
A . ' ti
f
With kindest regards, / * i

l QU
Oscar Nilsen, Esq., 6 - FEB. 12P ;
Norsk Matros-og fyrbbterunion,
Qrev tfedelsplass 5,
•5‘.
JrP
OSLO. c
 Draft
M A 11/1/45/1

My dear Mr. Nilsen,

I thank you for your letter of 4 January in which

you Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions

hae~de»idod to maintain its attitude of non-representation

at ik® meetings of the International Labour Organisation.

^It would be a personal loss to me as well as to the

seamen's oause generally if, as a result of this decision, you

were compelled to withdraw from collaboration with this Office.

It is, at any rate, a source of gratification to know that you

will, if at all possible, take part in the next Session of the

Joint Maritime Commission which, it is hoped, will take place

before the next International Labour Conference in May. I look

forward therefore to meeting you in person at the next meeting

of this Commission.
z zlA// /fie zAtlZ Co, cryCcz-. lojzi du-vC fi d'b P

I-nc-te^—w-i-th--interest, -however-,—that. t.hg pupation of

kb- o» / A ,’^ar- t o-£ e 4 d }luryr^-y <- j f^<rrf /-

the—reprenent-atlen-o-f ^fche-N-or-wegian seamen on the. Joint Mari- 7

’
Zo a I O-rnj, r <T fit b c- Ooylr-yy db-fio

cm J /?. A ’ /, y. j.1 „ i Co _ , J

Seetiun—o-f—the-Int er nat ional Transport—frerkors'—federation.

/I.d-Ptydd vrf by.? fi <0»"‘ ’ fr* O. rf.-wiy /

I sbniil d._ha_very-glad if -you would advise ma of anpjfiiatKgp

development—ami;—rf—yem-would -indicate—te—me—any-polnt ~of

9 0- J
(■
 2 T

flifficu.ltyT

/
information—which may assist in

Yom? ty- oinccrcrly,

<r

Oscar NILSEN, EsqA,

Norsk Matros- og fyrboterunion,
Grev Wedelsplass 5,
OSLO
 I

^Cc/i;-.

Dear hr. L'ilsen,

I have to acknov/ledge with tnanks your letter of

4 January in which you give me further information concerning

the decision of the 1,'orwogian Trade Union federation. I

greatly regret that in view of this decision you will be un­

able to take part in the work of the Joint Maritime commis­

sion after the next buri time Conference. 1 an, however, glad

to know that you regard your membership as continuing as long

as the present commission retains its mandate, and that if

you are unable to attend the meetings of the commission,

you will endeavour to send a substitute.

I also note with interest that the Question of the

representation of the IJorwegian seamen on th® Joint ..laritime

Commission will be discussed at the meeting of the Seamen's

Section of the International Transport '..orkers' federation

on 16 January. I should be very grateful if you would let

me know whether this leads to any furtner development.

lours sincerely,

Oscar i.'ilsen, hsa .,

llorsk llatros- og fyrbdterunion,
Grcv '..'edelspluss 5,
Oslo.
CCT/gS

TRANSLATION.

I received, your letter of 10 December, and. have read.

it with the greatest attention.
The question of co-operation with the International
Labour Office in Geneva was inserted, in the Congress
of the National Trade Union Federation.
Three different proposals were bef&re the Congress
in the matter. That of the majority was to the effect
that the Secretariat should be empowered to appoint
representatives to the Conferences of the Office.
A minority proposed that relations with the Inter-
national Labour- Office should be immediately broken off.
Another minority proposed that the Federation should

/'•/ in the present circumstances maintain its earlier attitude

and not be represented in the Office.
The Congress adopted the proposal of the Minority,
and it was decided by 147 votes to 76 that the Federation
should, not send representatives to the meetings of the
International Labour Office.
As a member of the Joint Maritime Commission, I
considered that the resolution of the Congress of the
National Federation could not be regarded as an order,that
a previous appointment for a definite period should also be
annulled.
I was, and am of opinion that my appointment as
member of the Joint Maritime Commission was an international
appointment which made it my duty to take part in the work
of the Commission during the period between the Congresses
 2.

of the International Labour Office. I was, however, quite

clear that the resolution did not justify me in accepting a
new appointment. Our representation on the Joint Maritime
r Commission will be taken into consideration at the meeting
j of the seamen's section of the International Transport Federa­
tion in Amsterdam on 16 January 1926; the matter will
probably be subsequently brought forward for further considera-
tion by our chief
m T ir Anv>
a
executive oat4- "Ilatest
A f1 o -vo rm 4*. 4 iro
in January
o 4- o c-r T
a To vm o wraa
February.
or Tak—i oTvrr

The resolution of the Congress was not due to any

suggestion on our part. We have not so far seriously dis-
cussed the International Seamen's Code, etc. at the meetings
of our responsible executive, so that dissatisfaction with
the proposal for the codification of seamen's agreements, etc.
has nothing to do with the matter.
The proposal for severing connection with the Office was
inserted in the agenda, and discussed, and dealt with by all
the trade unions affiliated to the National Federation. It is
gratifying to read the appreciation contained in your letter
of our participation in the work of the Office and your opinion
as to the necessity of the representation of the Norwegian
seamen at Conferences.
I entirely share your views and shall regard it as a
misfortune that the organised seamen of Norway dfe not co­
operate in a responsible representation at the Conference in
question which will deal with many vital questions relating to
the conditions of seamen on board.
If nothing is arranged which will enable me to take part
in the meetings of the Joint Maritime Commission until a new
appointment can be made, I shall so long as I can do my best
to obtain the appointment of a satisfactory substitute.
I
N.M.& F. NORSK MATROS OG FYRB0TERUNION
A1O „SJ0M/ENDENES HUS" :: OSLO :: GREV WEDELS PL. 5 & 6
Telegramadr. ..Sjornannsunion”. Telefon 22639
V

'1
]) OSLO4 - Januar 1926.
N/j.

International Labour Office,

Genave.-

Harr Director A. Thomas.

Dores skrlvelse av 10.decamber 1924 bar

J eg mottat og Issst med den stbrste opmerksomiiet.
Paa dagsorden til Arbeidernes Fagllge Landsor-
ganisations Congress var opsat samarbeide med Arbeidsbyraaet 1
Genf.
I denne sak lorelaa 5. forskjellige forslag.
Flertallets gik ut paa at secretariatetz bemyndiges til at op-
ntrjvne rapresentanter til Byraaets konfereneer.
Et mindretal foreslogyforbindelsen med Arbeids-
byraaet i Genf skulde avbrytes straks.
Et andet mindretal foreslog at Landsorganisati-
on under de nuvfsrende forhold skulde opretholde sit tidligere
standpungt om ikke at la sig representers i Byraaet.
Kongressen vedtok mlndretallets forslag,med
14? mot 76 stammer blev der besluttet at Landsorganisationen
ikke seal sende rapresentanter til Arbeidsbyraaats moter.
Som medlem av Joint Maritime Commision hievdet
jeg at Landsorganisationens kogress beslutning ikke runde opfat-
tes som et paalajg at tidligere valg for en bestemt periods ogsaa
NORSK MATROS & FYRB0TERUNION

ark —2—

skulde opiueves.
Jag iiadde og bar den opfatning at mit valg som
medlem av Joint Maritime Commision var et International! valg,
som forpligtet mig til at delta 1 perioden mellem I.L.O. kongras-
ser. Men ,jeg var klar over at beslutnlngen ikke berettiget mig
til at motta nyt valg. Vor representation i Joint Maritime Com-
mision vil toll optat til behandllng paa I.T.F. s.jdmandsseksions
mote i Amsterdam den 16. januar 1926. Saken vil derefter antage-
lig 1311 optat til fornyet droftelse 1 vort Hovedstyre sidst i
januar eller februar.
Det var ikke nogen foranledning fra vor side som
bevirket kongressens beslutning.
Vi liar endnu ikke i vort ansvarlige styre reali-
tetdiskuteret International S.jdmandslov m.v., saa det er ikke
ez
misfornoiolse med forslaget til kodifisring av sjdmsndenes tarif-
avtaler m.v.
Porslaget om avbrytelse av forbindelse mad Byraaet
var optat paa dagsorden og diskutaret eg behandlet 1 alls fagfor-
enlnger tilsluttet Landsorganisation.
Det er en forndielse at lidre de anerkjendende
ord 1 Dereu skrivelse om vor deltagelse i Byraaets motor,og Beres
opfatning om nodvendigiieten av den norske sjomandsrepresentation
paa konfereneen d.a.
J:eg del er .fuldt ut Deras opfatning og vil be­
tragte det som skadelig at ikke de organiserte sjdmmnd i Norge
medvirker til en forsvarlig representation paa navnte konference,
som skal beiiandle mange vitale sporgsmaal angaaende sjoimendenes
foriiold ornbord.
NO'RSK MATROS & FYRB0TERUNION

ark —3—

Hvis der ikke blir foretat noget som fbrer til

at Jag lean delta 1 Joint Martitoe Commlsions mbter til nyt valg
kan bll foretat, skal ,jeg saa langt J eg kan, sbrge for at faa
opneevnt en betryggende substitut for raig.
Med venligste hilsen

*
CCT/gS

TRANSLATION.

I received, your letter of 10 December, and have read

it with the greatest attention.
The que stion of co-operation with the International
Labour Office in Geneva was inserted in the Congress
of the National Trade Union Federation.
Three different proposals were before the Congress
in the matter. That of the majority was to the effect
that the Secretariat should be empowered to appoint
representatives to the Conferences of the Office.
A minority proposed that relations with the Inter­
national Labour Office should be immediately broken off.
/mother minority proposed that the Federation should
in the present circumstances maintain its earlier attitude
and not be represented in the Office.
The Congress adopted the proposal of the minority,
and it was decided by 147 votes to 76 that the Federation
should not send representatives to the meetings of the
International Labour Office.
As a member of the Joint Maritime Commission, I
considered that the resolution of the Congress of the
National Federation could not be regarded as an order,that
a previous appointment for a definite period should also be
annulled.
I was, and am of opinion that my appointment as
member of the Joint Maritime Commission was an international
appointment which made it my duty to take part in the work
of the Commission during the period between the Congresses
cct/es

TRANSLATION.

I received your letter of 10 December, and. have read.

it with the greatest attention.
The question of co-operation with the International
labour Office in Geneva was inserted, in the Congress
of the National Trade Union Federation.
Three different proposals were before the Congress
in the matter. That of the majority was to the effect
that the Secretariat should be empowered to appoint
representatives to the Conferences of the Office.
A minority proposed that relations with the Inter­
national Labour- Office should be immediately broken off.
Another minority proposed that the Federation should
in the present circumstances maintain its earlier attitude
and not be represented in the Office.
The Congress adopted the proposal of the Minority,
and it was decided by 147 votes to 76 that the Federation
should not send representatives to the meetings of the
International Labour Office.
As a member of the Joint Maritime Commission, I
considered that the resolution of the Congress of the
National Federation could not be regarded as an order,that
a previous appointment for a definite period should also be
annulled.
I was, and am of opinion that my appointment as
member of the Joint Maritime Commission was an international
appointment which made it my duty to take part in the work
of the Commission during the period between the Congresses
of the International Labour Office. I was, however, quite
clear that the resolution did not justify me in accepting a
new appointment. Our representation on the Joint Maritime
Commission will be taken into consideration at the meeting
of the seamen's section of the International Transport Federa­
tion in Amsterdam on 16 January 1926; the matter will
probably be subsequently brought forward for further considera
tion by our chief executive at latest in January or February.
The resolution of the Congress was not due to any
suggestion on our part. •7e have not so far seriously dis-
cussed the International Seamen's Code, etc. at the meetings
of our responsible executive, so that dissatisfaction with
the proposal for the codification of seamen's agreements, etc.
has nothing to do with the matter.
The proposal for severing connection with the Office was
inserted in the agenda, and discussed, and dealt with by all
the trade unions affiliated to the National Federation. It is
gratifying to read the appreciation contained in your letter
of our participation in the work of the Office and your opinio!
as to the necessity of the representation of the Norwegian
seamen at Conferences.
I entirely share your views and shall regard it as a
misfortune that the organised seamen of Norway d£& not co­
operate in a responsible representation at the Conference in
question which will deal with many vital questions relating to
the conditions of seamen on board.
If nothing is arranged which will enable me to take part
in the meetings of the Joint Maritime Commission until a new
appointment can be made, I shall so long as I can do my best
to obtain the appointment of a satisfactory substitute.
f

ijyynabwaf Laboii^nFFi^
/,/«//

my dear ^r. .Mlsen,

I learn from a note in the i\ rbe i d e rb1ade tf*
or' 24 September 1925 signed P. Jars that the Norwegian
sailors’ and Stokers’ Union resolved at e delegate meeting
in the beginning of September to break off relations with
the luternntionoi u.bour Office.
:a '..•£ were aware of the resolution passed
by th'?' Congress of che forregian Confederation of Trade
Unions, a short time before, on its attitude towards the
International Labour- Organ I sat ion, the above news, regrett­
able as it is whs not altogether a surprise. I fully
undfersband n trade union following the general policy of
its central organ isntion, ”hd for the moment, we can only
abide by the results and hope for I e future. Jin tn is
conrent ion X .-rant ss.;, t i:'. t it was -vest satisfaction to
U3 that st tli’3 Trade? Union Congress the Office had many
supporters in diffe.rtn r. ouartors, also omong trade union
leaders who hr long to thr. arwi-r-lnn Labour Party. I think
that may fairly' assume that our ■ u-k is of sre value
when 1 see that our .-.or.Kst friends are those who have been
hare and seen us st work
One of the most regrettable results of the
. . ... ■ . . .

decision of your Federation would be that l;bv would

__ i brssuin-
h-4"' It s.-.'. L, ' (r‘- - y . r
ably 4wvelve-your. Aeaalng to be a snsmber of the Joint
Maritime 0 bmmission. In view of the important part which
Mr. Oscar Nilsen,
Norsk Jiatros- og f’yrbd terun ion,
Grev bc-delsplass 5,
OSLO. 8 D£c- /S?5 /
jpA 3
LN £ T
 ^2-

the Norwegian seamen have always taken in the work of tie

Organisation, I feel that the seamen's group as a whole
would be very seriously weakened by the loss of your
collaboration, which I ’nave ■always regarded as one of
the strongest prograssive elements on the Corny, is cion.
In the note by Kars it was suggested that
the immediate reason for the decision telnr. by your
Federation was its dissatisfaction with the draft codifi-
cation of rules relating to seamen's articles of agreement
prepared by the Office according to the instructions of the
Jo in t iaar it it < e C om is s i or., which 'would permanently establish
penalties for desertion. 7o this objection I would reply
that the whole question of codification relating to articles
of agreement is to be d iscussed at the lari tine Labour
Conference which is to be held in 1926 > and that if the
M or we gi ?. n o e ■'i n a re opposed to provisions concerning
discipline or desertion, it is most important that they
should be represented at the conference because it is
precisely there th.-, t t.:ey will have an opportunity to put
forward their views. You '. ill no doubt remember that at
the Genoa conference the Norwegian seamen submitted a
resolution on the subject of pen*isles for desertion, and
that though this was not adopted in its original form, a
resolution embodyinr n conn remise partly giving satisfaction ;
to the Eorwovian scar.cn .-■-■ss adopt1-?. Fast experience thus
sug-resfcs that the fiorweginn seamen may hone to obtain at
any rate some measure of suopart fox- their views from the
I
C on £'e r enc e: indeed t. •> e i r c h a roes of success may be con-
siderably greater in t- ?l body tnarx in the Joint Maritime
r
i t
Commission.
 -3-

1 .ti-.it ado that a certain number of important

adirinis trative d--partsents are apparently mt very warmly
in favour of introducing articles c one err. in p- discipline.
The question is thus still ooen.
I do not know v■■nether there is any possibility
that in view oi. these con sir ©rations your Federation may
reconsider its attitude; if this were possible it would
be a matter of great satisfaction to us. You will under-
stand that I am anxious to hear how matters stand, and I
should therefore be glad to hear fro m you s oon.
■Vito kindest, regards
YO’.ii's sincerelys

f5''

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 X; 4
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A;^ X A ■JL/C l) \
AT/LTLa

ITo t e nom* ■ 1. TKORSwOlT. -

Pour la lettre NILS.tll, je suis frapp5 dn fait

quo les Marins eux-raSmes ont decide de no pas participer.
Alors, 11 faudrait lour dire dans la -lettre :
"l-Tous comorohons tres bien la ponseo qui vous
insnire, nous savons qn'uno federation de .’.oiler doit
suivre los directives de politique „rencrale de la Confede­
ration, de la Centrals nationals, et nous cor. " mens tr's
bien votre o: ibarras. 1’ous no pouvons pour 1’instant quo
nous incliner, et dire : nous conn tons cur 1'avc-nir. I'ous
nous fell citons d'aill ,urs d' avoIFTrouvS au sc in : .See de
- la Confederation quelqv.'s. partisans soles t je me permats
de remarquer quo ce sent precis-ament les hommes qui nous
ont vus a 1’oeuvre a Geneve, qui sont vonus a la Confe­
rence, qui -savont ce quo nous fainons, qui nont nos amis
les plus stirs. C'cst done qua nous avons consci race de ne
pas Prop trial travailler.
2) Vous fondez 1'abstention de la federation des
..Tarins sur le fait que l'on doit discuter du Co's. je ne
sais pas quelies sont les raisons profondes, mis lo God.e
peut §tre antipathique aux marine pares qu’ils craignent,
par example, qu'un certain nombre de nesure.- disoipitr.'ti­
res y soient intrdduites. bh bion, lr dossv§ jo dols dire
que le Code est ouvert a la discussion et -ue, si dos
matins sont vraimont tout a fait hostiles 5. 1:-. p i o tlon do
discipline ou do d';s?rtion, c’ost nr’ci" . ■ nt o in d-r
!■ Conf nonce qu'ils dovront f Tro v loir 1 runs i-'
D’autre part, je tiens a lui direqu’im certain no:,fore de
grandes administrations publiques, corrio le Board of Trv’a,
ne sont pas tris chaudos en favour de ?.1 introduction des
articles cone irnant 1?. ■iscipline. La Question :r:t done
ouverts.
peumets do rc.pp
.infin, jo e poniets slor u’a la C’onfnn'mee
rt'.yp iler
de GeneSj ].es i.iarins norvegiens ont" etc dans la minorite
pour posei’ precisement cette question de la dess -tlon.
Quelle quo soit Inproposition fu.ihe per le Bureau, e'est
1' occasion de diucuter, c' st 1' occv.-ion on d d'’ r: :- r r' ’ ■ m -
cher a la Confirenco !■ roconnaissanc.; Q.;-. > -indues .'.•■p. Ics
<': ■. ■:. ;)

marins norvugi ,-ns ont d^fondu a Genes. Tit'alors, pour ”

Tit alors, pour
toutes cos raisons, j' espere qu'ils vouduont bion r ocond-
d'.ror la "uestion.
 Dites-lui encore quo je u rappclle tout ce qu’5.1 a
fait 'ans la Oorv.iission oaritaire. pun nous lz'a’ons toujours
con.sid.6r6 come un des oliments avanoes do la ^.mission,
un des homiequi pbuvaient le mi aux de.fen.dre lo point de vue
des raarins, et quasi les raarins norvevi'ms^ avec co qu'ils
representent disparaissent de la Commission paritaire, il y
aura uno diminution des forces dos raarin.s. Dites-lui quo e’est
on touto ai'iitie quo je lui 6 oris, et ou'il vriille bion ref16-
chir d In si'C’uation gSnSrale*
Je vous' donne qu D.ques idles, reais vous nouvez sgale-
rnent du ooint de vue norveqion int.roduire un certain nombre
de choses.
Dites-lui jgalement que, d'accord avec Poisson
et :.iay; jo suis intervenu aupros de la Soci6t6 dos Nations pour
qu'il soit designs comme representant de l'Alliance cooperative
Internationale', mais que, maintenant, j'ai. une inquietude.
Je le felicite beaucoup de sa nornir.-.tlon, reais je suis inquiet.
Est-ce qu'il pourra venir ? Il serait -ontil de '-c prevenir
la-dessus,j|parce que cote cooperatif, e'est moi qui me ouis
occupe du problene .

30.11.25.