CO129-503-7 Chinese labour- recruitment for work in coal mines in Sarawak 17-9-1926 - 14-2-1928 — Page 18

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difficulty in getting large numbers of

Chinese immigrants.

The ideal plan, therefore, would

seem to be that all the territories concerned

ahould adopt some such system as that existing

in Malaya. So far as British territories are

concerned we can exercise pressure to bring

this about; but of course it rests with the

foreign government concerned as to whether

it is adopted in their territories.

If, therefore, we are to aim att

complete abolition of either indentured or

assisted emigration, we cannot continue to

allow it in either form, so far as emigration

to any British possession or protectorate is

concerned.

the local law of foreign territories and so long

asemigration on such terms is allowed it will,

in practice, continue, whether recognised or

not. It would be preferable to have it

recognised as then certain safeguards can be

instituted.

We cannot, however, influence

I think, therefore, that we might

continue to allow such emigration to the

Netherlands East Indies and to consider applica-

tions in respect of other foreign possessions,

that is, We can approve Nos. 1, 3 and 4 of Mr.

Southorn's proposals.

I admit that it seems inconsistent

and unfair to allow assisted emigration to

Netherlands East Indies and to refuse to allow

it to, e.g •, Sarawak; but, nevertheless. I

think it is the only logical thing to do.

5. Came 2.2.28