CO129-532-5 Mui Tsai system- resolutions and correspondence with private individuals 23-7-1931 - 18-12-1931 — Page 22

To the Under-Secretary of State M.P.

Sir,

Colonial Office,

London,S.W.1.

22

We are gravely concerned at the state of affairs existing in our

Colony of Hong Kong with regard to the sale and purchase of girls

and the Mui Tsai system.

While appreciating the action of Lord Passfield in ordering the

abolition of the system and for detailing machinery for dealing

with existing Mui Tsai, we are most disturbed at the way these orders

have been interpreted by the Hong Kong Government.

For example, we understand that although the Home Government

ordered inspection of mui tsai,only one inspector is about to be

appointed, and we submit that this is obviously insufficient to

deal with even the admitted official number of 4,000.

Neither do we understand why nearly two years have been allowed to

elapse in appointing this inspector.

Again, we understand that the buying and selling of girls for

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so-called "adoption" continues and such girls have not even been

registered, and that there is not even a proposed scheme for their

inspection.

Parliamentary reports and press comments show clearly that public

opinion in this country will insist on the whole question being

dealt with on a fuller and more comprehensive scale than has yet

been attempted.

We therefore send this letter in support of further action which

may be thought desirable to complete the entire emancipation

(in fact as well as in law) of all the girls who have been

purchased in the Colony and to urge that during this emancipation

provision for full protection, and where necessary, shelter and

accommodation be provided for them.