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the Report of the British Delegates, and I would also draw your attention to the last two paragraphs on page 5.
Destruction of rats is already resorted to by the Health Authorities of this Port in the case of infected Ships, and it is to be observed that it is only on that class of vessels that rat destruction is compulsory.
Medical Examination of Passengers embarking in the Port when it is infected: Part II Chapter I Section 1 and Article 46.
It will be noticed that except at Alexandria and Port Said this examination has to be made on shore and in daytime.
These stipulations present serious difficulties, for notwithstanding the fact that passengers embarking on the River Steamers and for Coast Ports of China would probably not be examined, the numbers remaining to be dealt with would be extremely large.
4.
I am therefore to enquire whether in the opinion of the Chamber this Government should join the Convention as it stands, or seek to obtain the exemption from inspection on shore accorded at Alexandria and Port Said, and failing success in such application decline to become a party to the Convention.
I am further to enquire whether in the event of such application being successful the Steamship Companies using this Port would co-operate with the Government in conducting Medical Examinations on board by allowing the Medical Officers of their Vessels to assist in conducting the examination under the direction and control of the Health Officer of the Port.
I have etc.,
(sd.) E. B. May,
Colonial Secretary.