CO129-594-8 A G H Sment- report on medical activities and problems 16-12-1945 - 18-2-1946 — Page 18

REPORT ON HONGKONG MEDICAL ACTIVITIES AND PROBLEMIS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN HEALTH, WITH A NOTE ON TRAINING COLLEGES

AND RESEARCH

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INTRODUCTION

My visit to Hong Kong lasted from the 20th November to the 16th December, 1945,

However, which is a short enough period in which to obtain the necessary background.. my tour of British F.E. territories had to be a relatively quick one and more time could not be spent in the Colony.

Official re-entry to Hong Kong was on the 16th September, 1945 but the Royal Navy came back on the 30th of August. There was a time lag which had signi- ficant consequences. For example, it was during this interval that most of the looting of buildings took place and, where it has been impossible to re-occupy buildings, this looting is still going on. During the time lag the "Stanley" Government carried on and, by all accounts, did admirable work; this in spite of exhaustion and debility from their privations.

Over on the mainland Coast line there are bare and denuded hills, the "Nine Dragons" guarding the entrance to Southern China. The bareness results from the felling of the grown trees and the bush for firewood. It has altered the landscape considerably and may have some effect on the precipitation of rain and soil erosion.

"Three things

To quote a recent Press article: What happened at the recent rebirth of Hong Kong is a repetition of its first beginning (1841). The Navy came first, then the Army appeared, and the Civil Administration, while the business men were all around impatient to get on with their work." The article goes on: have always determined the properity and progress of Hong Kong; good internal

These considerations government, maintenance of trade and understanding with China."

The last is of I have endeavoured to keep in mind in framing any recommendations. great importance and indeed, from the public health standpoint, the Province of Kwangtung is inseparable from Hong Kong.

Unfortunately in this re-entry Civil Affairs were not accompanied by their medical equipment and full staffs; the Young Working Party Units, planned for this emergency, were held up somewhere and are not expected to reach Hong Kong for some months yet. This has meant that the D. D.II. S., Civil Affairs has had largely to depend on the generosity of the Services for medical supplies. Fortunately much hospital equipment and furniture remain, although in bad condition through neglect, and the non-arrival of material with Civil Affairs has not constituted the handicap it might have been had they been faced with widespread destruction.

Also favouring the medical authorities is the fact that this is not the worse season for the spread of infectious disease. Cholera occurs mainly during the hot weather, when other bowel diseases are prevalent. On the other hand smallpox can be expected now. Plague has fortunately been absent from the Colony since the first decade of the century but, with the sociological and epidemiological upheaval brought about in recent years, it is not safe to rely on such immunity continuing, either from plague or other zymotic diseases not formerly prevalent in Hong Kong.

Conditions in the Colony today are materially different from those found on re-entry. Many buildings have been destroyed but fortunately this destruction is confined to certain areas, especially dock areas. Nevertheless buildings have

Civilian transport deteriorated very greatly and there has been extensive looting. is limited in amount and character but the Chinese, with their native ingenuity, have

A favourite form of conveyance is a devised many ways of replacing lost transport. kind of truck mounted on a tricycle pedalled from behind and ordinary bicycles, with a cushion on the pillion seat behind for the passenger, are much in vogue. Many emergency measures were put in hand at once on re-entry, and even before that, when the "Stanley" Government functioned. Kitchens were set up, from which free rations were issued.

Inspection of housing accommodation in urban areas was rapidly re- introduced and supplies of food were brought in. Free postage was also introduced;

An emergency letters could be dropped in any postbox for delivery without a stamp. Medical Board, including members of all the Services and the D.D.M. S., Civil Affairs, was created to deal with the situation and many other ad hoc measures were instituted. Liaison with the Services has all along been admirable.

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