ANTI-SLAVERY AND ABORIGINES' PROTECTION SOCIETY.
Sta,—We have made the fullest inquiry possible into the question of servical labour on this island, though, unfortunately, the vessel having less cargo than usual to discharge hore, our stay was shorter than on any previous occasion. We were able, however, to obtain authoritative information on several points, some of which will, I am sure, be welcomed by the Committee.
With reference to the further importation of servicaes, I am glad to say that we cannot trace any recent shipment from Angola, and the report that this had been resumed appears to have arisen from the formal registration of the as. Cazengo ' for carrying 300 servicaes. The Committee may, I think, rest assured that, for the time being, the traffic in servicaes between San Thome and Angola has ceased.
It is also satisfactory to note that the immigration of Mozambique labourers is not only maintained, but apparently on the increase. We were unable to obtain the statistics of this immigration, but these have been promised to me at a later date. The Mozambique labour is, however, quite inadequate, and there is a general expectation that the shipment of servicaes from Angola will recommence in the near future. The question remains of those at present on the islands. There must be at least thirty thousand gathered from the hinterland of Angola who see little hope of a return to their homes, but it is encouraging to note that repatriation has definitely begun. During the year 1910 fifteen men and two women returned to Angola. In January last the se. `Zaire' conveyed to the mainland fifty-three adults and ten children. In February and March three and five adults re- spectively were repatriated to Angolan ports. Whilst the fact of such repatriation is encouraging the number cannot be regarded as satisfactory. Any suggestions for accelerating this repatriatms are met with the remark that the mrvicaes have been taken from territories so far inland that they could not find their homes again. Many appear to have been taken from the Congo. The Committee will remember that Mr. Consul Beak ani Mr. Joseph Burtt both reported upon the traffic in slaves which takes place on the Congo-Angola border. A gentleman who takes much interest in this question has suggested that co-operation between the Belgian and Portuguese authori- ties would bring about the return to their homes of several thousands of the servicass. This suggestion is more practicable than appears at first sight. Belgium undoubtedly has the right to ascertain how many of her subjects are in San Thome an Principe, and it would not be difficult to find a means of identifying them. It would only require a small commission of white men, accompanied by half a dozen intelligent natives repre- sentative of the different Congo tribes. If such a commission could be formed with the goodwill of the Portuguese Government to visit the rocas on the islands, they would very quickly ascertain the districts from which the servicacs were taken. The members of every tribe carry their identity marks on the face and chest, and natives of the Congo accompanying such commission would at a glance recognize their fellow-tribesmen. We trust the Com- mittee will bear this suggestion in mind, as a possible means of accelerating the repatriation of the 30,000 slaves now on the cocoa
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