CO129-473 - Individuals - 1921 — Page 187

185

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Lieutenant Colonel Ward would produce any evidence of

specific cases in support of their allegations, he would

be pleased to have a full enquiry made. For the results

of such an enquiry see his confidential despatch annexed.

(5) The 'traffic in girls' referred to here is

for purposes of prostitution. The Attorney General was making no reference to 'mui tsai', In any case the

quotation serves to show that the Hong Kong Government do their best to deal with this difficult matter.

On the "facts not admitted by the Colonial

Office" the following comments may be made.

(1) Brokers. The Secretary for Chinese Affairs

Hong Kong, reports as follows:-

"The go-between is a necessary formality in all Chinese marriages, and even as a profession carries no stigma. There is no recognised profession for deal- ing in children, but it is unavoidable that a go-between who has brought two parties together for a transaction, (in full accordance with the accepted and universal custom, as explained in the despatches) should look for

Professional some recompense for the trouble taken. child dealers do of course exist: but they work under- ground only and are carefully watched for by the Govern- ment and the whole community. Lieutenant Commander Haslewood's view is clearly a confusion of go-betweere for

The marriage (0- marriages and for other purposes. between business is open and "recognised" as Lieutenant Commander Hablewood states; but even in this connection there is nothing in the nature of a market, as he seems to insinuate. The go-between simply fills her proper place in the marriage ceremonies."

(2)