Office or Individual.
StyCommer
Date.
1894 25 June
Last previous Paper.
10936
disposed of
27 p
WELC9-31717-4806-12-02
Next subsequent Paper.
for
No.
Hong Kong
No. 11008
(Subject.)
Bubonic Plague
C. O.
DOMESTIC,
11008
RECO
592
26 JUN 1947
42. Mr. Webster,- To ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is in a position to state as to the present aspect of the Plague in Hong Kong: And, what steps have been taken by the authorities in that Colony to safeguard the sanitary condition of the inhabitants.
(Today - Tuesday 26th June) Thurs. 28th June-
Mr. BUXTON said,- telegram was yesterday received from the Governor of Hongkong reporting that an improvement has taken place and that the epidemic is abating. The total mortality to date has been 2,215. Despatches have just been received reporting as to the first outbreak and the earlier stages of the plague, which appears to have been introduced into the colony from Canton. Energetic steps were taken by the colonial authorities to cope with it by the provision of special hospitals, the employment of additional medical men, a house-to-house visitation, and the regular flushing and disinfecting of all drains and infected houses. As regards the future, steps are already being taken to consider the question whether the water supply of the colony needs to be supplemented to reduce the risk of future visitations of this disease.
[Time]
June 30
Mr. BUXTON said no further telegraphic communication had been received since a few days ago, when it was stated that the Colonial Office hoped to receive further information from the Governor in the course of a day or two. He might be able on Thursday to give a more definite answer.
Mr. R. G. WEBSTER asked whether the mails from Hong Kong were being fumigated
Mr. BUXTON- I think that question had better be addressed to the Postmaster-General.
Mr. R. G. WEBSTER- Then I ask the Postmaster General the question.
Mr. A. MORLEY- I believe it is an arrangement made by the Colonial Office. (Laughter.)
The Fanfield
See also Mor
Although the government
of 15 June
telegraphed
in 1025
10257
to keep
Mr.
mites on 10928
asked in
informed as
he has
in the last ten
to progress of bubonic plague, only sent two telegrams in the last few days, viz. 10422 the part of which was communicated to the Press, & 10818 (as to death of a Soldier whose name is uncertain).
We might I think ask him to send bi-weekly reports by telegraph so long as the plague lasts
In reply to present question