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38. The above is an outline of what has been attempted in the direction of improving health and sanitation in the tropical Colonies and Protectorates, and the Governments concerned will, I think, realise that the contributions which they have given have been applied to objects second to none in importance and public usefulness. But it is clear that the work cannot stan still, and as long as those who can speak with the authority of science are confident that by human effort the rate of mortality from malaria and other tropical diseases can be greatly reduced and the strength and efficiency of European residents in unhealthy climates can be sensibly increased, so long, in my opinion, ought funds to be forthcoming for carrying on what has been so well begun. It will be seen from the important letter from Sir M. Foster, of which I enclose a copy,* that in his opinion greater expenditure and more extended effort is required to grapple with the whole problem of exotic diseases among not only human beings, but animals also, and to systematise the knowledge of such discoveries as may be achieved. The details of such a scheme would require very careful consideration, but in any case the Colonies are likely to he vitally concerned for many years to come with the following objects: research into malaria and other tropical diseases, in which I am assured that the Royal Society, to whom my warm acknowledginents are due. will continue to co-operate; the Schools of Tropical Medicine, pre-eminently those of London and Liverpool; and the supply of trained nurses. One or other of these objects may more specially commend itself to this or that Colony, but I am inclined to think that as a fund was successfully formed for the double object of the London Tropical School and the Malaria Commission, so Colonial contributions, if and when made, might with advantage continue to be paid into a common fund. out of which the objects which have formed the subject of this despatch might be subsidised. Should I find that this opinion is shared and that there is a general desire on the part of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates to give moderate donations or subscriptions in aid of medical and sanitary training and research, I should propose to appoint a Board to advise the Secretary of State as to how the moneys received can at any given time be best allotted, such Board to consist of the medical adviser of the Colonial Office, a representative of the Royal Society, some leading London physician, one or more representatives of the Crown Colonies, and one or more members of the Colonial Office.

I have, etc.,

The Officer Administering

the Government of Hongkong.

* Enclosure No. 3. page 375,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

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