Copy
Enclosure Tho. I
C.0.
403
2436
Government House, ng
Hongkong 26th. October, 1908
sir,
The Secretary of State for the Colonies acting on the
initiative of the United States' Ambassador has addressed
to me a despatch on the subject of Americar prostitutes in
this Colony, in the enclosure to which reference is made
to the repressive measures taken by Judge Wilfley in Shang-
hai, which it is stated are believed to have driven out
practically all American prostitutes from that City.
2. Before replying to Lord Crewe's despatch I should
be glad to be placed in possession of the true facts as re-
gards Shanghai, and to have the benefit of your views as
regards the methods adopted by Judge Wilfley and their re-
sults. I would more especially ask for information on the
following points:-
(a) What were the measures adopted by the Judge and
were they of such a nature as to permanently exclude this
class, or did they consist only of action personal to His
Honour and result in an influx of these women on his depar-
ture.
(b) Are European women of various nationalties of this
class in the habit of calling themselves "American Girls",
because of the better style of the genuine American pros-
titute.
(c) Have any special steps been taken in Shanghai to
exclude women of this class who are of British nationality.
(d) What law (if any) exists in Shanghai for prevent-
ing the sale of liquor in their own houses by women of this
class, and how (if it exists) has it been enforced. Does
this sale go on to a large extent and is it largely respon- -sible for the profits made by theme women. Eis Britannic Majesty's Consul General,
I have &c.
SHANGHAI.
(sa) F.J.D.Lugard,
Governor, &c.