[Inclosure.]
Mr. Wood to Mr.
Hay.
Washington, D. C., May
6, 1902.
Sir: In accordance with your direction that
I give in writing the facts in the case of my brother, Harry McGaw
Wood, a prisoner of war in Ceylon, in whose interest I called upon
you this morning. I herewith respectfully submit them.
Early in February last you were good enough to request my brother’s
transfer to Bermuda on the ground of ill health, at the instance of
my Senator, Mr. Gallinger. Lord Lansdowne, replying on April 11,
says that “Mr. Brodrick has not found it possible to consent to the
prisoner’s release.” Inasmuch as release was not asked, this is
clearly a case of the grossest misunderstanding, and the matter is
no further advanced than if no effort had been made.
All I desire is that my brother be permitted to live in a healthier
part of Ceylon or be transferred to Bermuda, as his health has given
way, notwithstanding the assurances to the contrary in the letter of
Lord Lansdowne, who was apparently entirely misinformed regarding
the matter. In proof of this, the records of Ceylon will show that
my brother was in February last granted a month’s parole on account
of ill health, and made application in March for two months’
additional on the same grounds, the application being indorsed by
two surgeons of the British army.
My brother has been in Ceylon for eighteen months, and it is a
well-known fact that Europeans going there voluntarily and living
comfortably in their own homes, which are, of course, situated in
cool and healthy spots, are obliged to return to Europe periodically
to recruit their health.
Ragama, where my brother is confined, is known to be one of the most
unhealthy spots on the island, situated practically on the dead sea
level, but cut off from the sea breeze. It is surrounded on three
sides by rice swamps and exposed to the full force of the tropical
sun.
If Mr. Brodrick will have my brother transferred to Bermuda or permit
him to live, on parole, at Kandy or some other place on high ground
until the cessation of hostilities, it will, I think, be possible
for him to regain his health. The request is just and reasonable,
and I most earnestly pray that you may see lit to use your good
offices to secure it.
Very truly, yours,
