No. 299.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Dinsmore.
Washington, January 3, 1888.
Sir: I inclose herewith a copy of the temporary regulations for the prevention of the introduction of infectious diseases at the treaty ports of Corea which has been handed to me by the German chargé d’affaires here.*
The German Government considers these regulations as on the whole acceptable, but takes exception to two of the provisions.
- (1)
- There is no clear definition given of what is meant by the words “infectious diseases” used repeatedly in the regulations. They might literally cover various diseases, such as syphilis, which are not within the intent of the regulations. Germany suggests an additional clause defining infectious diseases as being cholera, plague, yellow fever, and small-pox, and nothing else.
- (2)
- Disinfection of crews and passengers as provided in article 6 is not now considered of much value by the best authorities. The German chargé d’affaires suggests that this article either be omitted or else, modified so as to show exactly what kind of disinfection is intended, e. g., hot bath and simultaneous disinfection of clothing by steam, etc., the object being to avoid vexatious and unnecessary delays.
The criticisms of the German legation appear reasonable, and correspond nearly with the diseases which were recognized as infectious or contagious by our former National Board of Health, as published on page 480 of our Consular Regulations for 1881, the latter, however, containing typhoid fever, which in the form of ship fever might be very important. It might also be well to consider whether scarlet fever might not advantageously be added to the list.
A consultation on your part with your diplomatic colleagues and a mutual exchange of views in regard to this question might lead to an advantageous modification by the Corean Government of the regulations in question, which I should be glad to be promptly informed of, together with any opinions on the subject which you may be able to obtain.
I am, etc.,