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[Page 130]
Copy.
Territory of Papua.
Government House,
Port Moresby,
22nd August 1914
Confidential.
6/14
Sir,
I have the honor to report that there is, I am informed, a suggestion that Port Moresby should be made a base for the reception of such men as may be wounded or fall sick in connection with the expeditionary force which, I believe, is to be despatched to Rabaul or Herbertshohe, and part of which (500 strong) is already here (see my Confidential despatch No. 5/14 of even date)
2. The Papuan Government and all the residents are, I need hardly say, most anxious to assist in any way which may be in their power, but there are some objections to the creation at Port Moresby of a base such as I have mentioned - objections which, through lack of local knowledge, may not occur to the Naval and Military authorities - and which I think it my duty to place before you for their consideration. The matter has not come before me officially, and I have therefore not discussed it with the Officer Commanding the detachment of the expeditionary force, nor with the officer commanding the destroyers, of which three are at present in Port Moresby.
4. The objections which I wish to place before you are briefly as follows:-
(i) The insufficiency of the Medical and nursing staff at Port Moresby.
(ii) Insufficiency in the supply of medical comforts, drugs and appliances.
(iii) Possible shortage of stores.
(iv) Danger of the spread of infectious disease among the residents, both European and Native.
The
I have etc.,
(Sgd) J.H.P. Murray.
Lt-Gov.
The Honourable
The Minister of State for External Affairs,
Melbourne.