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The aim of both Societies and of the Government is the same, namely aboli-

tion, but both agree that the process must be gradual..

Meanwhile they deprecate issue of proclamation which they consider would be dangerous, especially as exposing large numbers of girls to the wiles of procuresses.

It would be very desirable to have some scheme to provide for their future

before they are encouraged to leave their employers.

STUBBS.

No. 3.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR,

21st March, 1922.

Your telegram of March 16th.

I am glad to know that you are co-operating with the societies in scheme for the abolition of system. Though recognizing that it must take a little time, I am determined to expedite it as much as possible. I expect the change to be carried out in a year.

You should issue the proclamation as directed in my telegram of February 22nd without delay, but in view of the dangers to which you call attention, which are appre- ciated by me, you should warn girls in it that until they get accommodation provided for them elsewhere they should not leave the shelter of their present homes, except in case of ill-treatment, and after Chinese Secretary has been referred to. You should warn them especially against risk to which you refer in your telegram. You should consult with charitable and other societies concerned in regard to elaborating scheme for their future.

CHURCHILL.

No. 4.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR.

21st March, 1922.

Following is text of statement which I have made in House of Commons March 21st as to mui-tsai :-

"The House will recollect that I asked Honourable Members to postpone their questions in this subject in order that I might communicate with the Government of Hong Kong The recent occurrences in the Colony have unfortunately prevented either the Governor or myself from dealing with this matter as expeditiously as I had hoped but I have now received a telegram from the Governor stating that his Government in consultation with the societies for the protection and for the abolition of mui-tsai will draw up a scheme for the abolition of the system as soon as possible. Both the Government and the societies point out that this process must take some little time. I have directed the issue without further delay of a proclamation making it clear to employers and employed that the status of mui-tsai as understood in China will not in future be recognized in Hong Kong and in particular that no compulsion of any kind to prevent girls over the age of 12 leaving their adopted parents at any time will be allowed. It has been pointed out to me by the Government and the socie- ties that the issue of this proclamation will involve some risks of expos- ing a number of girls to the wiles of unscrupulous persons and that before