Molenhe
It is of course impossible for the Son of State to entertain any opinion on the proposed measures without further information.
2. The impact generally, as the H. B. has afforded no information on the provisions of the draft. But assuming the existence of the evils described in the correspondence annexed to this despatch, it is much to be regretted, on account of any objections "to the precise terms" as proposed, that the attempt to provide some practical remedy should be abandoned. It appears that regulations enforced at Gibraltar & Malta, which have been reported to be efficacious, and there are measures of a character intimately adapted to the special circumstances of Hong Kong, that could not be adopted.
A scheme for similar measures has been proposed here, and I think that any information on the subject suggested by Mr. Blackwood may properly be supplied, without putting any delay on the reply.
To save time, I forward a draft despatch for your approval. Mr. West, though the Authorities in the Colony have not yet succeeded in arresting the disease, reported in despatches, has not lost any time in furnishing the Governor with all the information we possess, tending to the abatement of this disease in other Colonies, as well as abroad.
Mr. Collard, of the Surgeons, remarks that any attempt to put down prostitution would be an absurdity. But to prevent the Venereal disease, or to control it, is as justifiable for a Government as to prevent or control Cholera; and nothing but false modesty prevents us from putting new brothels for prostitutes under efficient medical police surveillance.
Mr. W.W. at 14.020, 343, suggests that the Board of Health would assist in this object. As his Governor has no plan, which he will carry out at a definite time, and again report progress, I think we should not wait, but act at once.
See 8342 on this subject, dated 11 June. AB Aff. y baper/55.
To Mr. Merivale
In the first place, the reports herein enclosed show that this evil, as it is in Hong Kong, is really formidable. It may be remarked that not merely in France and other Continental States, but in the Portuguese settlement of Macao, and also in the British Station of Malta in the Mediterranean, this system of regulation of prostitution is adopted. A question at the Committee required Authorities on the subject.
At the Committee, Sir John Borring, the Attorney General, prepared an Ordinance, and I think it would be better understood worldwide that such measures have been done.
Page 343
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AB Aff. y baper/55.
Av. Merivale
Page 344