73
Loss of life so far reported does not exceed 12 but reports incom- plete as many roads blocked with debris.
In Port Louis Harbour some damage to wharf fronts not of serious nature, but Coaster Wharf woodpiling frontage totally demolished. One sailing ship stranded and a few lighters, other shipping generally safe and not materially damaged.
Damage to cane crops is I fear very severe. Crop was excep- tionally promising and forward and damage proportionately greater. Cannot give reliable estimate for some time and in any case difficult to estimate.
I trust His Majesty's Government will be able to render special assistance as depleted resources of the Colony cannot cope with situation without special aid.
C. 84556/31 [No. 5].
No. 3.
Telegram from the Governor of Mauritius to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
(Received 2.5 p.m., 9th March, 1931.) [Answered by 4.]
Important. 9th March. Unnumbered. Confidential. My tele- gram of the 9th March, No. 24. While material damage from hurricane severe and extensive, anticipated loss on cane crop is by far the most serious factor. Precise estimate impossible but I am assured that this hurricane is the worst experienced since 1892 after which loss en sugar crop was calculated at 48 per cent. Resources for financing sugar industry were already strained to a dangerous extent but assistance which had been rendered and very promising condition of the crop had helped to establish confidence of being able to carry on through the year. Position now however looks hopeless and great nervousness prevails as to a financial crisis which may render impossible further financing of cultiva- tion. Frankly I do not see how unaided resources of the Colony can meet the position and submit that some special assistance from His Majesty's Government is essential to save the situation. I am not in a position yet to make definite proposals but an early announcement that His Majesty's Government was prepared to consider proposal for special assistance would do much to relieve tension and obviate risk of panic.
* [No. 2].
C. 84556/31 [No. 6].
5
No. 4.
Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Mauritius.
(Sent 7.30 p.m., 10th March, 1931.) Immediate. No. 19. Confidential. I have received with great regret the further details contained in your telegram No. 24* and your later unnumbered telegram of 9th Marcht of the seriousness of the disaster which has visited Mauritius, particularly in view of the difficult position in which the Colony already found itself.
It will of course be impossible for some time to frame any esti- mates, but when it is possible you will no doubt let me have full particulars of the probable measures necessary for the immediate relief of distress actually caused by the cyclone such as destruction of cottages and lack of available food supplies; of the damage to estates and property (including crops, so far as that can be esti- mated) and the extent to which it is covered by insurance; and of the consequences in the way of abandonment of cultivation of crops, unemployment, etc., resulting from the shock to the sugar industry, apart from the financial difficulties of individuals such as foreclosing by mortgagees.
These details are necessary for full examination of the situation and no suggestion that special assistance might be given by H.M. Government should be made public.
C. 84556/31 [No. 7].
SIR,
No. 5.
Letter from the Colonial Office to the Treasury.
DOWNING STREET,
- 12th March, 1931.
I am directed by Lord Passfield to enclose, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, copies of tele- graphic correspondence with the Governor of Mauritius on the subject of the cyclone which has recently caused extensive damage in the Colony.
Lord
Their Lordships will observe that the Governor has requested special assistance from His Majesty's Government. Passfield is not yet in a position to submit any proposals to Their Lordships on this subject, but considers that they should be
• No. 2.
+ No. 3.
Nos. 1-4; and C. 84558/31 [Nos. 2 and 3]: not printed.
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