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that an old established custom cannot be altered at a moment's notice I desire to make it clear that both the Governor and I are determined to effect the abolition of the system at the earliest practicable date, and I have indicated to the Governor that I expect the change to be carried out within a year. CHURCHILL.
No.
the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State
for the Colonies.
Telegram form
Sent
(Received 28th March, 1922.)
[Answered by No. .]
With reference to your telegram of 21st March.*
The Societies
for the Abolition and for Protection of Mui-Tsai are shortly holding a joint conference with a view to settling what are the best steps to take to secure abolition as soon as possible. The issue of the pro- clamation should, I venture to suggest, be deferred until their report is received. If, however, you consider that it is necessary to issue it at once, in view of your statement in Parliament, I would suggest following terms :-
<
* No.
The following proclamation is issued by the Governor under instructions from His Majesty's Government.
Slavery is not allowed to exist in the British Empire, and there fore it must be understood that mui-tsai are not the property of their employers. Those of them who wish to leave their employers and who have reached years of discretion must be allowed to apply to Secretary for Chinese Affairs who will consider their cases.
Girls are warned that they must not leave their present employers until they have some employment to go to for fear they should fall into the hands of procuresses.
Masters and Mistresses are specially warned against any at- tempt to prevent mui-tsai from seeing the Secretary for Chinese Affairs."
You will, I am sure, understand that I have every desire to carry out your instructions whole-heartedly. I feel compelled, never- theless, to say that great harm is likely to result from the issue of such a proclamation before arrangements are made for the future. In spite of any warning it is certain that girls will leave their employers and the majority will fall into bad hands.
و
Chinese girls of twelve are mere children, and quite incapable of thinking for themselves. I have therefore suggested that instead of twelve years
the phrase " years of discretion " should be used. The idea of abolition within one year is said, by both Societies and by enthusiastic missionary advocates of abolition, to be unthinkable. STUBBS.
S
No.
Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor
of Hong Kong.
(Sent 3rd April, 1922.)
It
Mui-tsai. Your telegram 28th of March.* I approve terms of proposed proclamation but I cannot consent to defer its issue. should appear as soon as possible. You and Societies will of course consider what steps can be taken to obviate consequences which you fear as well as to prevent the removal from the Colony of mui-tsai against their interests and wishes. I will await full statement by mail of reasons why missionaries and Societies consider it unthinkable to abolish the system within one year.
* No.
CHURCHILL.