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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 885

24 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

As regards the Malay States, there has not yet been sufficient time for the High Commissioner to reply to the despatch which Mr. Harcourt has addressed to him on the subject of the proposed inquiry. Mr. Harcourt will obtain the views of the High Commissioner on the proposal to appoint a local member of the proposed Commission of Inquiry.

I am, &c.,

H. J. READ,

for the Under-Secretary of State.

1133

51587

SIR,

No. 55.

MALAY STATES.

SIR R. HAVELOCK CHARLES to COLONIAL OFFICE.

(Received 26th December, 1914.)

India Office, Whitehall, S.W., 24th December, 1914. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter 48945/14, dated 12th December. The press of work has prevented an earlier reply.

I would suggest the postponement of the question till quieter times. evidence from Malay shows that there is not urgency in the question.

The

Every British medical man with a proper sense of duty to his country bas enough to do nearer home. I regret I could not nominate one for the service demanded

If I may suggest-I'd say to the Americans to carry out the campaign in the Philippine Isles. Let them settle the doubtful question there. By the time that is settled we may be in a position to meet their desires and have suitable mon free to work with them.

51357

SIR,

No. 56.

I have, &c.,

R. HAVELOCK CHARLES.

MALAY STATES.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. [Answered by No. 86.]

(Miscellaneous.)

Downing Street, 24th December, 1914.

IN continuation of my despatch Miscellaneous, of the 16th November,* I have the honour to transmit to you, for your consideration, an extract from a letter received from the International Health Commission with regard to the proposed inquiry into the prevalence of ankylostomiasis in the Malay States. I have, &c.,

Enclosure in No. 56.

L. HARCOURT.

THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION to COLONIAL OFFICE.

(Extract.)

*

**

*

28th November, 1914.

*

We shall be glad to receive further advices with reference to the wishes of Mr. Harcourt and the Advisory Committee concerning the Ankylostomiasis Com- mission. Mr. Rose and Dr. Heiser were somewhat hopeful that a British member of the Commission might be secured locally in the Malay States, who would have a thorough knowledge of local conditions, and render, in addition to his scientific work, valuable assistance in arranging for such investigations as may be desired with the local authorities.

JOHN A. FERRELL, Assistant Director-General.

No. 57.

WINDWARD ISLANDS: ST. VINCENT.

THE ADMINISTRATOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

(Received 7th January, 1915.)

(Confidential.)

SIR,

Government House, St. Vincent, 21st December, 1914. OWING to the dislocation of mails, and in order to save valuable time, I have the honour to address you direct, regarding the appointment of a Medical Officer for the Colonial Hospital and Kingstown District under the terms of my despatch No. 134, of 13th ultimo,* in order to relieve Dr. Durrant for the ankylostomiasis campaign.

2. Dr. Howard, representing the International Health Commission, called here for a few days about ten days ago and suggested that the Commission should send an American medical officer to do the work until Dr. Durrant was relieved. I therefore arranged He urged the importance of commencing the campaign. verbally with the Acting Governor, Mr. Young, who was passing through at the time, to ascertain from Barbados whether any suitable doctor was available there to take Dr. Durrant's place.

3. I have now received the enclosed reply from Major Burdon, with whom I communicated, which shows that there are two doctors there both apparently well qualified to fill the position of Dr. Durrant, except that they are not registered in Great Britain as required by our recent Ordinance No. 5 of 1914 (vide despatch No. 54, of 19th May last). I have had further telegraphic communication with Major Burdon, by which I learn that the hitch does not merely consist in their not having paid the registration fee.

4. If Dr. Howard's proposal were adopted it would be necessary to pass a special Ordinance to enable the American doctor to practise in the Colony under the ankylostomiasis campaign. It seems to me, therefore, that if a special Ordi- nance of this nature has to be passed, it should be in regard to either one of the two doctors from Barbados mentioned in the enclosed correspondence.

5. Either of them seems eminently suitable for the position; both are Britishers and both have more experience than we are likely to find in a young Moreover, it does not appear loctor coming out from England to fill the post. Dossible at present to find such a doctor.

6. I therefore recommend that I be authorised to offer the post to Dr. Bancroft, nd that authority be given to pass the necessary special Ordinance giving him ower to practise in the Colony so long as he is retained in the Government service. 7. The other Medical Officer mentioned, Dr. Austin, has all the necessary ualifications, and I have asked Mr. Young by telegram yesterday to authorise my ffering to him the country district to be rendered vacant by the proposed transfer of Dr. Arthur from here to Carriacou. His Excellency is, I know, communicating with you on that transfer.

8. Should you concur in these proposals I should be glad if you would tele- graph your approval so that I can get the matter settled before I leave for St. Lucia. 9. I have verbally discussed the general question with Mr. Young, and I know that he agrees with my opinion that we ought to start this campaign as soon as possible, as it has been hanging fire so long.

10. I am forwarding a copy of this despatch to the Acting Governor by first sailing opportunity.

I have, &c.,

GIDEON MURRAY,

Administrator.

* See No. 50. | 22827: not printed.

Not printed.

* No. 43.

+ Reminder of No. 42.