CO129-357 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [7-9] — Page 79

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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,