01
21
A
in the article in question that numbers
are
exported from this Colony by the
Pacific Mail Steamers.
2.
The
especially
appearing
very fact of any statement,
when of a positive nature,
in one
of the local papers may
be of itself regarded
as a
proof of its
probable inaccuracy.
It is not likely that
such number of Annamites as 20,000
could have been piratically seized, as stated,
in two
years
and
exported as slaves,
labourers or so. I have no doubt however
that a great number
were
formerly seized
and exported from Macao as voluntary
Emigrants and I have long since sent
to H. M's Government proof that such
was the
case.
Vide Govr to S. S. JR2 318 of 5 July 1867.
I moreover believe that
the facilities formerly afforded at Macao for such abuses constituted the reason of the preference given to it by
Coolie dealers, as
the best sphere for their
operations notwithstanding the marked inferiority of its harbour to that of Hong Kong3. With regard to
Alomen
being
Kidnapped in Annam or purchased there to be sold at a profit subsequently
either for exportation or otherwise, I have no reason to doubt that such reprehensible practices flourish at Songquin and along the neighboring Coast just as they do at Canton and Soochow, where the sale of
girls and
women
is a matter
of daily occurrence.