CO129-516-7 The Mui-Tsai question- resolutions from individuals and Societies 5-5-1929 - 26-10-1929 — Page 85

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for assault.

The matter was then referred to me and,

after I had consulted the Attorney General and

further statements had been taken, I directed the

Secretary for Chinese Affairs to institute a

prosecution for common assault. But in the

meantime the child's mother had returned to her

home in the interior of China taking the child with

her, and it was thus impossible to proceed with the prosecution, which would otherwise have taken place.

I must add, however, that in the face of the

Medical Officer's report, which was to the effect that the girl was well-nourished and bore no definite

marks of ill-treatment, the prospects of a conviction

were not great.

3. As a sequel to this case I issued

instructions on the 23rd April, 1929, that a

prosecution is to be attempted in all similar cases,

where any witnesses at all are available, whether or

not there is any prospect of securing a conviction,

provided that the charge is not obviously malicious

or untrue. I hope that the publicity so obtained

may act as a deterrent.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,humble servant

紗

Governor &c.,