774
that the position of affairs is an anomalous one 7
especial-
-ly as I am informed that no Medical examination is made
by any United States Officer at Nagasaki of the passengers,
crews or cargo of ships bound direct from that port to
Manila and that no "poll-tax" is levied in Japanese ports
on passengers bound for the Philippine Islands.
3.
I am informed that the "poll-tax"
is collected as a source of revenue to the respective
Governments of the United States and the Philippine Islands
and that it has no connection with the Medical examination.
The Shipping Companies are, however, made responsible by
the United States Government for its payment at the port of
destination. Moreover, it is evident that if there were no
Medical examination by United States Officers of ships in
Hongkong waters, there would be no inducement to Captains
to offend against the Hongkong Ordinance owing to their
apprehension of the action of United States Hospital
Service Doctors. I should therefore be glad if Your Lord-
-ship would move the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
to approach the United States Government with the request
(a) that the "poll-tax" referred to should be collected at
the port of destination and not in Hongkong; (b) that in
future the Certificate of the Health Officer of this Port
may