402
primarily the proximity of the Western States, and the
facilities of transport between them and the Far East. No
steps have been taken as the American Ambassador supposes
to discourage or get rid of women of British nationality.
There is I am told only one here at present, and their
presence is rare simply because such women do not come to
Hongkong to ply the trade of prostitution.
6.
I have not hesitated to take steps
to get rid of women who disgrace their nationality by re-
ceiving Asiatics, by public solicitation, or other scan-
dalous procedure, but so long as women living not more than
2 in a house, conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly
manner, it is difficult,and in my view undesirable, to dis-
criminate between them and to employ such arbitrary powers
as banishment.
As will be seen from the enclosed cor-
respondence Mr. Wilder did not advocate discrimination be-
tween the methods employed in regard to Americans or any
other women.
my.
I am still making investigations
on this subject, and if the schemes I have in view should
prove feasible I will at once inform Your Lordship.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant,
Maugard
Governor, &c.