MINDER, VIC, LONDON.

LORIA 9700.

(3)

**MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,

ST. JAMES'S PARK,

LONDON, S.W.1.**

295

I understand that the custom referred to, though once common throughout China, is now forbidden by the Chinese Republic and is an offence punishable by death, and it is alleged that in consequence of this edict Hongkong is now used as a market for the whole coast of China, and that young girls are shipped by brokers from this port for distribution to the various ports in China and that such shipments are registered by British officials. I have never been in China but have had experience of other Eastern races, and can make great allowance for the mentality of people so greatly different from ourselves, but if there is anything in these allegations it seems a serious matter that Chinese British subjects should be bought and sold as slaves at this late period of our civilisation; and I shall be very grateful if you could have the matter enquired into.

Yours sincerely,

(Over)