J.R. Cross to [CRO], [1955/6]. (DO 35/8639).- External URL
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Sent From (Definite): J.R. CrossSent To (Definite): Commonwealth Relations OfficeDate: Between 1955 and 1956
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Sent fromJ.R. Cross
Between 1955 and 1956
Description:'5. I think on balance our conclusions here are that in view of our reasonably modest requirements and the fact that there is an existing medical organisation in India, namely Glaxo (India) Ltd, we should do everything to try and persuade them to take over the business of organising the monkey supply from India. They could easily arrange sub-contracts with people like Patterson and other traders and would have some form of organisation on the spot in case of difficulties. We are virtually certain that this arrangement would be acceptable to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and I am quite sure that it could be worked.
6. If the proposal to use Glaxo fails (and there appears to be no other similar medical firm in sight who could act in such a position) then we would advise re-consideration of the possibility of a consortium. Our fear, however, is that if it were purely a consortium of national firms, the major share of which would be borne by the U.S.A. we might find ourselves in difficulties if at any time a further objection arose about the American use of monkeys, e.g. for defence purposes. This might possibly be obviated if some body such as the World Health Organisation could be introduced to provide a "front" for the consortium. I have not attempted to raise the matter with the W.H.O. officials here but if you think it worth while pursuing I will do so.
7. Incidentally, we now learn that the race continues; that the Germans and Swedes are both believed to be interested in purchasing monkeys and the Italians are reported to be looking for a thousand a month. It would look as if the total demand for Rhesus monkeys from India is now of the order of 240,000 a year which will probably stretch supply to the limit.
8. I would like to make one point on the minute of the meeting on 28th May. In paragraph 2 (d) someone suggested that monkeys could be killed on the spot, and the kidneys transported. I trust that this will not be mooted with the Indians as it would be sufficient to ruin the whole programme. The Rhesus monkey is sacred in India - their ancestors assisted Rama in his battle with the King of Ceylon by stringing their tails together to form a bridge for him to cross. Just as the Hindu will not strive officiously to keep old cows alive so he can turn a blind eye to what happens to the monkeys after they leave India, but any attempt at "monkey slaughter" in this country would outrage religious feelings...
...'
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Sent toCommonwealth Relations Office
Between 1955 and 1956
Description:'5. I think on balance our conclusions here are that in view of our reasonably modest requirements and the fact that there is an existing medical organisation in India, namely Glaxo (India) Ltd, we should do everything to try and persuade them to take over the business of organising the monkey supply from India. They could easily arrange sub-contracts with people like Patterson and other traders and would have some form of organisation on the spot in case of difficulties. We are virtually certain that this arrangement would be acceptable to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and I am quite sure that it could be worked.
6. If the proposal to use Glaxo fails (and there appears to be no other similar medical firm in sight who could act in such a position) then we would advise re-consideration of the possibility of a consortium. Our fear, however, is that if it were purely a consortium of national firms, the major share of which would be borne by the U.S.A. we might find ourselves in difficulties if at any time a further objection arose about the American use of monkeys, e.g. for defence purposes. This might possibly be obviated if some body such as the World Health Organisation could be introduced to provide a "front" for the consortium. I have not attempted to raise the matter with the W.H.O. officials here but if you think it worth while pursuing I will do so.
7. Incidentally, we now learn that the race continues; that the Germans and Swedes are both believed to be interested in purchasing monkeys and the Italians are reported to be looking for a thousand a month. It would look as if the total demand for Rhesus monkeys from India is now of the order of 240,000 a year which will probably stretch supply to the limit.
8. I would like to make one point on the minute of the meeting on 28th May. In paragraph 2 (d) someone suggested that monkeys could be killed on the spot, and the kidneys transported. I trust that this will not be mooted with the Indians as it would be sufficient to ruin the whole programme. The Rhesus monkey is sacred in India - their ancestors assisted Rama in his battle with the King of Ceylon by stringing their tails together to form a bridge for him to cross. Just as the Hindu will not strive officiously to keep old cows alive so he can turn a blind eye to what happens to the monkeys after they leave India, but any attempt at "monkey slaughter" in this country would outrage religious feelings...
...'
