Sent
5363-33
No.
Despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Hong Kong.
SIR,
Downing Street,
2nd May, 1923.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches of the 24th of January* and the 6th of March,† regarding the Ordinance which has been passed to effect the abolition of the mui-tsai system in Hong Kong, and to refer to my despatch of even date. ‡ informing you that His Majesty will not be advised to disallow the measure.
‡ Not printed.
* Not printed.
† No.
2. I desire to express my satisfaction at the passing of the Ordin- ance with the consent of the representatives of the Chinese Com- munity and my appreciation of their attitude in the matter. I also wish to associate myself with your repudiation of the exaggerated and ill-founded assertions that have been made in the course of the controversy. I would add that I rely on the cordial co-operation of the Chinese community in carrying into effect the abolition of the mui-tsai system.
3. I concur in your suggestion that the questions of registration and of payment of wages may be left in beyance for the present and that Part III of the Ordinance should not be brought into operation unless and until it is shown to be necessary.
I also agree that, until occasion arises, no special measures need be taken to provide accommodation for the mui-tsai who may desire to leave their employers.
No.
I have, etc.,
DEVONSHIRE
Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Hong Kong.
(Sent 17th January, 1929.)
(Answered by No. .)
Your despatch 30th May 1924*. Letter from Harris of Anti- Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society published in Manchester Guardian summarises report of meeting of Anti-Mui-Tsai Society including allegation that Secretary of State for the Colonies pledge of 21st March, 1922, has never been carried out, that system is in full operation and that number has increased.
* Not printed.
Telegraph your observations on above charges, on immediate reforms being pressed by Anti-Mui-Tsai Society, and on question of bringing part III of Ordinance into operation, and send by mail report on working of Ordinance up to date. AMERY.
No.
Telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for
the Colonies.
(Recaised 29th January, 1929.)
No repre-
29th January. Your telegram of 17th January.* sentations whatever have been made to Hong Kong Government by Anti-Mui-tsai Society since I assumed the Government in 1925. This Society held last annual meeting in Hong Kong on 20th October but did not thereafter address this Government in the matter or make any proposals. I will investigate and report fully by mail.
* No.
CLEMENTI,
139