678
:
the gravest mis-use by opponents
of the mui-taci system, a Chinese
social institution which it is not
in the power of laws or Governments
to abolish.
If you feel any doubt
about the report on a cursory
reading I can point out several
objections which need not be set out
here.
r. Colline!
suggested answer
will land us sooner or later in showing
this report to emissaries of the Society
a procedure of which we have had
unhappy experience. The resort is 39
years old and therefore not to-day a
living issue on which people have a
right to information. It was written by
a judge on points of law and practice
that came before his court. Although
it is not expressly stated to be
confidential, and although the Colonial
thought at the time of publishing
Office
it, I think the circumstances justify the
view that it was a report for the
confidential information of the
Government of the day. I would therefore prefer, if possible, to take the line
that the report is not for publication
or communication to any unofficial body.
But, before we say this, Te mistake
sure that it has not been published in
Hong Kong, where it was printed, which
is quite possible.
·
Weight for the moment reply
to the Society, as we truthfully can,
that our records do not show that any
inquiry was held, but that we are
consulting the Governor. We should then
tell the Governor that we propage, with his concurrence, to take the line that the
report is not for publication and to
refuse to communicate it to the Society, if:
they ever get to hear of its existence,
but before doing this, we want him to make
sure that it has not been published and
is not accessible locally. We should also
ask him whether there is any record of any
inquiry other than Mr. Russell's report,
and, if not, we should eventually tell the
Society that no ing iry was held but that
from 1883 till to-day the mui-tsal system
has been the object of unremitting care by
the Colonial Government with a view to
preventing any possible abuse, etc., etc.
The Colonial Office records at
the Record Office are safe after the year
1860.
25.12.41
4.5.
Inften with you. If alan wi
caster than saqments (if ademen) at and
at ma
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