Extract from "Berkshire Chronicle" of 27th March, 1931
"SLAVERY" IN THE EMPIRE.
DR. HASTINGS' REPLY
LADY SIMON.
POSITION OF MUI-TSAI.
69 34
In August, 1929, Lord Passfield sent out a despatch to the Governor (which is printed along with other correspondence on the subject as a White Paper Cmd. 8424, price 1s. 3d.), instructing the Gov. ernor that a section of this Ordinance should be brought into force immedi- ately, providing for the registration and remuneration of existing Mui-Tsai, and TO that special care should be taken to in-
form the population generally that the law was in force and that it would not be allowed to be a dead letter. The Gov- ; ernor was instructed at the same time to proceed at once to make regulations for the registration of Mul-Tsai, for their re- muneration, for their inspection and con- trol. The Ordinance was also to be amended so as to forbid the bringing into the colony of any new Mui-Tsai. Proposals for the institution of a society in Hong Kong on the same lines as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in this country were also approved.
To the Editor of the "Chronicle." Sir, I much regret that I was preven- ted by my Parliamentary duties from attending the meeting organised by the League of Nations Union on March 16th
These instructions were carried out, last, at which Lady Simon was the chief speaker. According to newspaper reports registration of existing Mui-Tsai became Lady Simon stated that slavery was con- compulsory as from the 1st December, 1929, and no new Mui-Tsai could be now doned in Hong Kong, where there were introduced. I am informed by the some 10,000 child slaves owned by the Chinese. She advised her hearers to write Colonial Office that the number of Mui- Tsai registered at the beginning of July to their M.P. and as several have, very last was 4,299, and by the end of Novem- rightly, already done so, I decided to con- ber the number had already been reduced sult the Colonial Office to confirm my to 4,117. Thus, while there had been con- impression that there was but little foun- siderable doubt in some quarters as to the dation for this startling allegation. It
appears that Lady Simon's statement re- possibility of enforcing the new regula- ferred to the existence of Mui-Tsai in ions, the response was very satisfac- tory and the registration was carried Hong Kong. A Mui-Tsai is a family
through with gratifying success. It was domestic servant, in return for whose ser-made clear by proclamation, advertise- vices payment has been made to her par-ment, and pamphlet, that it was the firm ent or guardian. It has been repeatedly intention of the Government to enforce denied that the employment of Mui-Tsai,
as it exists in Hong Kong, could be called the law. In view of these circumstances I consider that any statement such as slavery except by gross misuse of that that attributed to Lady Simon is not only term. In Hong Kong the law recognises no rights of ownership whatsoever in favour of the employer as against the Mui-Tsai or as against her parents. The status of the Mui-Tsai is entirely a free status. If a Mul-Tsai wishes to leave her employer there is no legal obstacle to her doing so at any moment.
unfounded, but also unjust to the Colonial Government, which deserves Congratulation on its sincere and earnest effort to deal with what in view of local circumstances is a very difficult problem, and on the success which attended it.
EL
'Slavery is not allowed to exist in the British Empire, and therefore it must be understood that Mui-Tsai are not the property of their employers.
Any Mui-Tsai who wish to leave their employers and return to their parents are entitled to do so at any time without the payment of money, but they should go to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or the nearest Police Station in order that this may be arranged.
In conclusion may I quote the follow- ing Proclamation, which was issued by The employment of the Mul-Tsai is a the Government of Hong Kong in 1929, recognised custom in China. The Mui- and is, I understand, permanently dis- Tsai are, in general, well treated-the
played at police slations, steamer very name means "little sister "-and it wharves, and other public places:— is considered by Chinese public opinion to be obligatory on their employers to see that they are married or suitably provi- ded for when they are about 18 years of age. The institution is, however, admit- tedly repugnant to English ideas, and successive Secretaries of State for the Colonies have considered how so deeply rooted an institution could be ended. In 1923 an Ordinance was passed in the colony providing that no person should in the future take into his employment any Mui-Tsai, that any Mui-Tsai who wished to be restored to the custody of her parent or natural guardian, and any Mui-Tsai under the age of 18 whose par- ent or natural guardian wished her to be restored to his custody should without any payment whatsoever be restored to such custody unless the Secretary for Chinese Affairs saw some grave objection in the interest of such Mui-Tsai to such
restoration. At the same time the right of every Mul-Tsai to appeal to the Secre- tary for Chinese Affairs was reaffirmed, and imprisonment was prescribed as the penalty for gross ill-treatment of a Mui- Tsai,
"Mui-Tsai are warned that they must not leave their present homes without go- ing to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs
or nearest Police Station in order that
they may not fall into the hands of ill- disposed persons.
"Masters and mistresses are specially warned against any attempt to prevent Mui-Tsai from seeing the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or applying at a Police Station."
I am,
Yours faithfully,
SOMERVILLE HASTINGS.
43, Devonshire Street,
London, W.1. March 23rd, 1931.