6.
63
72790/30
Amiere)
12.
machinery by which this difficult question is controlled.
I am of opinion that the facilities for free
treatment of Venereal Disease in Hong Kong are inadequate
and that additional clinics are required. I have discussed
this question with the District Tatch Committee and have
been promised further assistance from the Chinese Hospitals.
Already clinics are held at some of these but more remains
to be done. I have in despatch No.391 of 31st July, 1930,
requested permission to appoint an additional Lady Medical Officer as Visiting Medical Officer for the Chinese
Hospitals and Dispensaries, and negotiations for the
appointment of a Venereal Disease specialist from Home are in hand. These arrangements contemplate an extension of
the attack on Venereal Disease in the Colony, with the
establishment and organisation of a Social Hygiene Branch
of the Medical Department.
13.
While my views in the main accord with those
set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above I appreciate that it is the declared policy of His Majesty's Government to aim at the abolition of licensed or regulated brothels in the Colonies and I am ready therefore to do what I can to assist in the carrying out of that policy. I strongly deprecate however any undue haste in Hong Kong in view of the special difficulties here and I would have preferred waiting until
the effects of this policy in Malaya, more especially in Singapore, are more clearly seen. If however Your Lordship desires that some immediate action be taken I suggest that it take the form of refusing to register any new prostitutes. This will result in a progressive reduction in the numbers and will make it possible gradually to close the recognised houses. Keepers of brothels where unregistered prostitutes are found would be prosecuted and the brothels closed.
effect of these steps at the end of a year can then be
The
considered