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Précis of correspondence relating to the examination in Hongbe
Harbour by the U. S. A. Consular Doctor of Passengers,
Arc2 9 AUG 09 Crews, and Cargo.
Gov
-2704-6/01
On the 28th. June, 1901, Sir Henry Blake
reported to the Secretary of State that there were then two
young American Doctors in this Colony attached to the United
States Consulate who visited all ships of whatsoever nationality
carrying passengers or cargo to the United States Ports, and were
responsible to their favernment for the proper disinfection of
passengers and luggago proceeding to such ports and that for thi
purpose they visited disinfecting hulks which belonged to a
private Company, before signing the necessary documents at the
Consulate.
2.0 30957
Sir Henry Blake doubted whether the proceed-
-ings of these officers in a British port could be regarded as
regular and requested that he might be furnished with instruct-
-ions in the matter.
Mr. Chamberlain replied on the 6th. Septem-
-ber, 1901, that, although these officers were not entitled to
official recognition by the British Government and the functions
they perform were not enjoined by British Law, in the interests of international public health His Majesty's Government appreciat-
-ed the usefulness of such appointments, and that, therefore,
the officers in question should receive such assistance as
could properly be given to them.
On the 4th. July, 1902, the Assistant Harbour
Master reported as follows:- "It has been the practice, for
"many years, for the crew and passengers of every ship leaving
*Hongkong for any port in the United States to be inspected by
"a Doctor, independently of the Health Officer, on behalf of
"the United States Government. This inspection takes place just
"before sailing, somestimes before, sometimes after, that held
"by Emigration and Health Officers.
"The examination was formerly made by Dr.
Jorden,