CO129-532-4 Mui Tsai system- resolution and correspondence with private individuals 27-10-1930 - 24-6-1931 — Page 55

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

The slavery allegation, and

(2).

The figure of 10,000.

S

48 regards the slavery allegation, Sir John Simon too good a Cawyer

is to be allowed to take the line that a qui-taai

in long long is legally in the ouition of a slave.

The status of slavery is illegal in Hong Kong and

Section 2 of the Female Domestic Service Trdinance

(Page 20 of Command 3424) expressly declares and enacts

that no employer has any right of ownership or custody

over kui-tsai in his employ. If a ui-tsal wishes to

leave her employer, there is no legal obstacle to ner

uoing so at any moment. The employer has no remedy

an. cannot either get back the Jul-tasl or recover any

payment he may have waue to her parents or guaruiana.

It is more probable that Sir John dimon will take tre lino that the status of Lui-tsai is analāg ous to, or in practice inuistinguishable from, slavery, although

legally quite distinct, but he shoul. find it very hard

to make out his case au regards the Hui-tsai in Hong

hong. Their status has Deen nuwe clear in the Female

Domestic Service Ordinance. They have been registered;

their death, isappearance, change of sudress or intended

marriage must be notified to the authorities. They must

be paid wages and it mag been broadcast by means of

Proclamations and Pamphlets that any ui-tsai who wish

to leave their employers are free to wo so and should

report to the Secretary for Chinese Alfairs or to the

nearest police station.

Lax

It is illegal to acquire

new

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