ferisal of The R.E., Statles' des
Lord Milves does not see
that
any
action on his
fast is called for in
connections with the incident
hat led to
your learing
I long.
TED G. GRINN
Gov./43493/HONG KONG.
438
DRAFT.
KING.
- 1 NTIAL
fernor.
MINUTE.
auso 6814
Mr. Gent.17.9.20. Mr. Dixon.17/9/20/ Mr. Collins,
- Mr. Grindle. 16.2 J
Sir H. Lambert.
Sir H. Read.
Sir G. Fiddes.
Col. Amery.
Lord Milner.
M24-9
conson.
(see minutes).
2 af ts.
sir,
28 Sept. '20.
I have etc. to ack. the receipt
of your Confidential despatch of the 10th July on the subject of alleged child
slavery in Hong Kong.
2.
I recognise that the social and
domestic institutions and conditions in Hong Kong cannot differ widely from those prevailing in the neighbouring provinces of China, nor do I think it possible or indeed desirable to enforce Western ideas (especially those of ill-informed philanthropic enthusiaste)upon the family life of the Chinese,
3.
I think that the right course is to aim at gradual reform, where reform may be necessary, in co-operation with
enlightened and humane members of the
there Chinese community of whao, I know, are many prepared to give their services
for the public good.
4.
I suggest, therefore, that you should persuade a number of prominent Chinese to form a Society for the protection and improvement in the condition of these girl domestics,
and
that the Society should have Committees in the different districts of the Colony, who would make themselves acquainted with the conditions generally prevailing
in
י