254
that a remedy will to some extent be provided by the extension of free or cheap schools to which I have referred in my
despatch of 21st December, 1920.
(8) Lieutenant Commander Haslewood can scarcely be ignorant
of the fact that, whatever may be said by such persons as the anonymous writer in the "Canton Times", the sale of children is still prevalent throughout China. A reference to any news- paper report of the proceedings of the Famine Relief Committees in the North will shew that thousands of children are being
sold there for practically nothing.
(9) See the minute of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. On the face of it it would appear not unlikely that the writer of the letter was enjoying a joke at Lieutenant Commander Haslewood's expense. A resident of 20 years standing must know perfectly well that if any case of cruelty were reported either to the Police or to the authorities of the Po Leung Kuk it would be investigated immediately.
3.
The last paragraph of Lieutenant Commander Haslewood's notes deserves special comment. The suggestion is that the views of the Honourable Mr. Lau Chu-pak and Dr. Pearce are entitled to no consideration because they are both connect- ed with the Hongkong Goverment. Mr. Lau's connection with the Government lies in the fact that he is an Unofficial Member of
the Legislative Council. I have never yet found that such a position was regarded as a bar to free criticism of the Government or as hampering the independence of the member. Mr.
Lau has been nominated to the Council because he is considered
to represent the views and opinions of the Chinese community. I have found no reason to believe that he does not do 80.
The reference to Dr. Pearce illustrates the stand-
ard of accuracy to which Lieutenant Commander Haslewood's statements attain. The Medical Officer of Health is Dr. W. W. Pearse, who so far as I am aware has never expressed any views
on
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.