W
Col. Offion
5. Sydney Buildings.
The Rt Hon. Miss Bondfield.M.P.
Bath.
25th June, 1929.
Dear Madam,
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Child Slavery in Hong Kong.
May I draw your attention to the fact that in the British Crown colony of Hong Kong the cruel system of Child slavery known as the Mui Tsai system, is still in force. Under this system young girls and small children are sold into bondage as domestic drudges; into brothels; re-sold; bartered; and cases of the most revolting cruelty are common.
This gross injustice has been allowed to continue for over 80 years under the flag of Great Britain.
On March 21st, 1922, Mr Churchill gave a considered and solemn pledge in the House of Commons that the system should be abolished "within a year". An Ordinance was passed to give effect to this promise in 1923. It was allowed to become a dead letter, the Government in Hong Kong, which is under the direct control of the Colonial Office, having made no attempt to enforce it.
Replies to questions in the House on Feb. 4th, April/22nd, and May 6th, showed that far from being abolished, the system continued, and that the number of slaves had increased, and their price had risen.
Having had first-hand experience of the cruelty practised upon these children, I write to beg you to use your influence to bring it to an end, finally and for ever.
Mrs)L.Haslewood.
yours truly
CBL. Hadwood.