Copy.
(F8855/309/10).
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.V. 1.
19th August, 1938.
Sir,
64
I am directed by Viscount Halifax to inform you
that a message has been received through His Majesty's
Ambassador in China from Dr. Robert Lim, the Director of
the Medical Relief Commission of the National Red Cross
Society of China and a member of the League of Nations
Epidemic Commission, to the effect that Chinese wounded often
take as long as a week to reach the Military Hospitals from
the front line and that in nearly all cases their wounds
are found to be full of maggots.
2. Dr. Lim enquires whether the British or International
Red Cross could help by supplying some specific against
maggot which is light in weight and not painful to patients;
hitherto a ten per cent solution of salt has been used but
this is both bulky to transport and painful in application.
3. Lord Halifax would be grateful to learn whether the
British Red Cross Society are able themselves to help in this
matter or alternatively whether they would be prepared to take
it up with the International Red Cross at Geneva.
I am, etc.
(Signed)
N. B. Ronald.
The Chairman,
British Red Cross Society,
12, Grosvenor Crescent,
S. W. 1.