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11.
The Secretary for Chinese Affairs deals
with the Chinese and Japanese brothels, and the Inspector
General of Folice deals with the few European brothels.
The Japanese brothels will gradually die out.
No new
inmates are allowed to be admitted as the present policy
of the Japanese Government is opposed to the emigration of
Japanese women for purposes of prostitution.
12. The question of the probable reaction if
all brothels were closed is a difficult one. Guidance may
be obtained from experience elsewhere, but differences in
local conditions would have to be carefully considered in
applying such experience. I am inclined to think that
the following results would follow in Hong Kong :-
1. There would probably be less illicit intercourse
because it would be less easy and convenient
to obtain it, and it would often be more
expensive, and there would be less temptation.
Further, there would no doubt be a greater
fear of the danger of venereal infection.
2. Prostitution would not be suppressed. Prosti-
tutes and "sly" brothels would continue to
exist in large numbers despite all efforts.
Incidentally, the police and district watch
forces would be exposed to fresh temptation
and bribery.
3. The action would probably arouse great resent-
ment among the Chinese at this interference
with their customs and manner of life.
13.
serious matter.
This last point I consider to be a very
Personally, I do not attach great