CO129-590-11 Commission of Enquiry into irregularities in Immigration Departments 22-4-1941 - 19-12-1941 — Page 327

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Dr. Newton, Medical Officer in Charge, Queen Mary Hospital, reported as follows:

"Mr. R.A.D. Forrest was admitted to the Queen Mary Hospital under my care on 9th September, 1937.

He was in a very excitable state and his actions were controlled entirely by his emotional ideas at the moment.

He had been taking drugs to produce sleep for the previous two months but had stopped them three days before admission.

He did not appear to have been eating sufficient food for a considerable time and he appeared to be completely exhausted.

He left hospital on 10th September, 1937, accompanied by his wife.

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During the time I had him under observation. formed the opinion that his condition was very serious and that he was on the verge of a complete nervous breakdown. I endeavoured to persuade him to stay longer in hospital, but he was in such an excitable state that it was impossible to make him see reason at all."

After a period of four weeks sick leave Mr. Forrest was sufficiently recovered to resume his full work.

He proceeded on long leave in March, 1938.

In June, 1938, in London, Mr. Forrest was examined by the Consulting Physician to the Colonial Office.

His report reads: 軒

He has improved in health during the voyage and on examination I find no indications of organic nervous or other disease. The deep reflexes are increased but he is now eating and sleeping well and his manner is normal in all respects. He is, however, of a somewhat highly strung temperament and I find on discussion with him that his symptoms in September arose from much worry and pressure of work in connection with the Sino-Japanese War which concerned him greatly in connection with its possible effects on Hong Kong. There has been no question of any delusions or hallucinations of any kind, but there is still some nervous debility from which improvement may be expected during his rest in England.

I would advise a re-examination in August next."

He was re-examined in September, 1938. The report reads:

"Mr. R.A.D. Forrest, Cadet Officer, Hong Kong, presented himself for re-examination today.

His health has been good since my last examination and he is sleeping well, while his weight has increased by about half a stone.

On examination I find that the organs show no sign of disease and his mental condition is satisfactory. He is quiet and rational in all respects although somewhat inclined to worry unduly about international affairs and their possible effect on Hong Kong. I have advised his to avoid stress and mental strain as far as possible and to lead a free, qui te and open life as far as is consistent with his duties. Under these conditions, I consider that he is fit to return to duty in Hong Kong on the expiration of his leave at the end of October."