MINUTES.
MINUTES NOT TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE.
* CONTIDENTI AL
sir,
C.O.
26389
2 JUN 24
258
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG. 25th April, 1924.
Mo
1873 1
34
54749
23
With reference to my Confidential despatch
of the 8th March, I have the honour to submit the following observations on the points raised in the letter from Mrs. Neville Rolfe, enclosed in the Duke of Devonshire's Confidential despatch of the 18th December, which I did not deal with in my despatch under reference,
2.
I am glad to note from paragraph 3 of the letter that the figures quoted by Dr, Scott from the Bradford report are not accepted as accurate, but I must demur to the statement in paragraph 6 that the Government of this Colony regards the regulation of prostitution as a beneficial measure. There appears to be some confusion between the terms "regulation of prostitution", and "segregation of brothels" combined with certain measures taken by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs for the protection of the women in the brothels. The system in force has been described in reports to the Secretary of State at various times, and it is somewhat surprising that after her visit to Hongkong Mrs. Rolfe should still be under the impression that this Government is in favour of the regulation of prostitution.
3.
I have already in my previous despatch dealt with the question of preventing prostitutes visiting ships
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
J. H. THOMAS, M.P.,
80..
&c.
&c.
in