Sent U.K. High Commissioner (India) to Commonwealth Relations Office, 18th April, 1955 (DO 35/8639).
Description:

'CYPHER IMMEDIATE

No. 458 CONFIDENTIAL

Your telegram No. 767.

RHESUS MONKEYS

...

4. Prospects of securing permission to export monkeys for work in connection with defense are at the moment dim. It is not merely a question of ensuring humane treatment but of also of political complications. Any approach to Government of India on this aspect will have to be most carefully considered, made at a high level and justified, if possible, on grounds of protection of civilians. Following is extract from reply by Commerce and Industry Minister to Parliamentary Question on this subject, full text of which follows by Bag.

Begins.

"Since the responsibility for allowing the export of monkeys devolves on the Government of India, that responsibility will be discharged with due regard to all international codes in this matter. I might add that I have been assured by responsible people that monkeys are not used for any purpose other than medical research and this assurance has been given by one of the foremost scientists of India who knows all it is worthwhile knowing about atomic energy - Dr. Bhabha - that monkeys are not being used for that purpose". Ends.'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 29th April, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
29 Apr 1958
Description:

'CYPHER

No. 528 CONFIDENTIAL

Your telegram No. 759.

MONKEYS

Interested parties here have been urging us to press Indian authorities for reply to representations referred to in paragraph 1 of our telegram No. 504. But in view of Minister of Health statement in Parliament that Indian restrictions have not so far interfered with manufacture of vaccine in United Kingdom we have been reluctant to do this without fresh instructions from you.

2. Delhi representative of Glaxos [sic] has now shown us telegram from his United Kingdom principals saying that unless supplies of Rhesus monkeys are made available immediately, interruption of polio vaccine manufacture is inevitable.'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 30th December, 1955 (DO 35/8639).
30 Dec 1955
Description:

'...

Government of India

Radya Sabha

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Starred question No. 343

To be answered on the 19th December, 1955

INDIAN ANIMALS FOR RESEARCH LABORATORIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

No. 343. Shrimati Violet Alva: Will the Minister for Commerce and Industry be pleased to state whether it is a fact that Dr. Lane Petter [sic] of the British Medical Council is visiting India to get some animals for research laboratories in the U.K.

Shri D.P. Karmarkar (Minister for Commerce)

No, Sir. Government have no information.

Shrimati Violet Alva: May I know, Sir, whether the Minister is aware that just a few days back in the House of Commons, Mr. Ian MacLeod, the British Health Minister, stated that the great majority of the monkeys which arrive in London were for transhipment to other countries? Is that statement corroborated; and, if so, which country they do [sic] to via London?

Shri D.P. Karmarkar: The export of monkeys to counties?

Shrimati Violet Alva: Yes.

Shri D.P. Karmarkar: Principally the United States of America.

Shrimati Violet Alva: I do not think that the hon. Minister has understood me. They go to U.K. and here is a statement made by the Health Minister of England that the majority of the monkeys which arrive in London were for transhipment to other countries. Is that statement corroborated?

Shri D.P. Karmarkar: No, Sir, we are not in a position to corroborate it. But it is a fact that a certain number goes to the U.K. This year, from January to October 1955, for instance, 4452 monkeys were sent to the U.K. I am not aware whether it is sent from there to other countries.

Shrimati Violet Alva: May I know whether Dr. Lane Petter is in India now for some time?

Shri D.P. Karmarkar: I am thankful to the hon. Member, because it gives me an opportunity to explain. Dr. Petter came to discuss the conditions under which monkeys are being transported. For instance, one of our conditions says that non-perishable foodstuff (mixed grains-maize, gram, groundnuts, etc) should be provided. Now, Dr. Petter enquired whether gram along [sic] would not do or whether we would insist on a mixture of grains. There was also a discussion about green vegetables being given. He said that the plane took only 48 hours and asked whether it would not be sufficient to give green vegetables at the stoppages wherever the plane stopped and things like that. The size of the cage and all that was discussed. He promised to send a detailed note which will be examined by the Health Ministry when it comes.'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner in India to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 21st August, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
21 Aug 1958
Description:

'...

[Starred Question and Answer No. 2, given in the Lok Sabha on the 11th August:] [NB: continuation of question above]

'Question and Answer to Starred Question No. 2 given in the Lok Sabha on 11/8/58.

-----------------

Shri Shree Narayan Das: In considering this question, may I know whether the requests made by several organisations to put a complete ban on the export were considered?

Shri Kanungo: Yes, they were considered.

Shri Shree Narayan Das: To what effect?

Shri Kanungo: That in the larger interests of humanity it is necessary to make available the monkeys.

Shri V.P. Nayar: May I know whether before the ban was lifted, Government took any opinion from medical experts as to the feasibility of conducting research on monkeys of four to six lbs.?

Shri Kanungo: Yes, Sir.

Shri Assar: Is the export of monkeys, in accordance with the rules of non-violence?

Prime Minister & Minister of External Affairs: No Sir, this depends upon intention. The Surgeon acts violently, but that is not regarded as violence.

Shri Liladhar Kotoki: In exporting monkeys to U.S.A. in large numbers have Government enquired as to the purpose for which they have been used in U.S.A. and as to whether such use cannot be made in our country?

Shri Kanungo: It has been stated in the answer that the monkeys are used for production of polio vaccine.

Shri Liladhar Kotoki: Could it not be done in our country?

Mr. Speaker: There are more monkeys than necessary.

...'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner in India to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 28th April, 1955 ( DO 35/8639).
29 Apr 1955
Description:

'No. 683 (1022/15)

...

1. Starred Question and Answer No. 475, given in the Rajya Sabha on 5.4.55.   Ban on the export                                                                                   of monkeys

2. Starred Question and Answer No. 665, given in the Rajya Sabha on 18.4.55  Export of monkeys

3. Unstarred Question and Answer No. 985, given in the Lok Sabha on 22.4.55  Export of monkeys

(3 copies of each)'

[3. Unstarred Question and Answer No. 985, given in the Lok Sabha on 22.4.55:]

'LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 985

To be answered on the 22nd April, 1955

EXPORT OF MONKEYS

985. DR. RAM SUBHAG SINGH: Will the Minister of Commerce and Industry be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government have received any representation from the U.K. and U.S.A. for revoking the ban on monkeys' export;

(b) if so, the grounds stated in those representations for revoking the ban; and

(c) the number of monkeys which have been allowed to be exported from India since the imposition of the ban?

...'

[2. Starred Question and Answer No. 665, given in the Rajya Sabha on 18.4.55:]

'GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

RAJYA SABHA

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

STARRED QUESTION NO. 665

To be answered on 18th April 1955

REPORT OF MONKEYS

*665 MOULANA M PARUQI: Will the Minister for Commerce and Industry be pleased to state whether there is a standing contract between the Government of India and the United States of America for the export of monkeys to that country?

----------

SHYRI NATYANAND KANUNGO. (Deputy Minister for Commerce & Industry)

No, sir. No type of contract whatsoever.

...

MOULANA M PARUQI: What are those conditions?

SRI N. KANUNGO: Monkeys, while being exported by air, could be cared for better in transit and used for polio research in the U.S.A.

MOULANA M PARUQI: It is also something that no cruelty will be meted to them?

SRI N. KANUNGO: Yes, sir, certainly.

SHRI V.R. DHAGH: Ha[s] some officer been specially appointed for this?

SRI N. KANUNGO: No, Sir, there is no need for this; when any complaint is brought to the notice, the matter is looked into.'

[1. Starred Question and Answer No. 475, given in the Rajya Sabha on 5.4.55.:]

'GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

RAJYA SABHA

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

STARRED QUESTION NO. 475

To be answered on 5th April 1955

BAN ON EXPORT OF MONKEYS

*475. SHRIMATI VIOLET ALVA: Will the Minister for Commerce and Industry be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government have decided to ban the export of monkeys:

and

(b) if so, when and where the last consignment of monkeys was exported?

------------

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI (Minister for Commerce & Industry):

(a) export of monkeys except with previous sanction of the Central Government has been banned with effect from the 11th March, 1955.

(b) Shipment of 800 monkeys to the U.S.A. was permitted on the 19th March, 1955.

------------

5-4-55

Uncorrected- - Not for publication

*No.475

SHRIMATI VIOLET ALVA: The Gazette Notification prohibits taking monkeys out of India by sea or land. Is it to be understood that monkeys have never been exported by air?

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: Well, sir, a legal interpretation of it may suggest to the hon. Member that it leaves open an avenue for free export of monkeys by air.

SHRIMATI VIOLET ALVA: It the hon. Minister aware that one Mr. Roosevelt stated in Calcutta last week that, if the ban on the export of monkeys was not withdrawn, he would go to Pakistan for it? He is also supposed to have stated that the Commerce Ministry officials in Delhi have told him that the ban would be lifted in a week's time. This was reported in the Hindustan Times.

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: We see, Sir, that the newspapers think that monkeys are very important items of news, at any rate, interesting items of news. I have also seen other various statements by various people about export of monkeys and the possibility of their going to Pakistan but I do not remember any particular name nor am I interested in them. So far as any Commerce Ministry official having assured anybody of anything being done on a particular day is concerned, I could not have authorised it. So far as the Commerce Ministry is concerned, I still happen to be Minister.

MR. CHAIRMAN. That statement was not authorised.

SHRIMATI VIOLET ALVA: Since the previous sanction of the Government is necessary to import monkeys, does the Government of India consider the purpose for which monkeys are exported, whether for medical research or for experiments in atomic energy?

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: Since the responsibility for allowing the export of monkeys devolves on the Government of India, that responsibility will be discharged with due regard to all international codes on this matter. I might add that I have been assured by responsible people that monkeys are not used for any purpose other than medical research and this assurance has been given by one of the foremost scientists of India who knows all it is worthwhile knowing about atomic energy - Dr. Bhabha [NB: Bhabha's general avocation of nuclear energy, research etc. 'Father of Indian Nuclear Industry' etc. See Guha, India After Gandhi, p. 390 on apparent subtle advocacy of nuclear armament - other lit too] - that monkeys are not being used for that purpose.

SHRIMATI RUKNINI ARUNDALE: Is it known that the export of monkeys for making research into poliomyelitis is not only for medical research but also for capitalist purposes? There is a plant in America, Lily Parke Davis, which has spent 900,000 dollars in order to get these monkeys from India. It is not only for medical purposes but it is also for capitalist interests.

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: I do not see how these things are actually exclusive. Capital interest may be interested in medical research.

...

SHRIMATI RUKNINI ARUNDALE: May I know whether the following item in the New York Times of October 19, 1954, has been brought to the notice of the Minister? The wording is: it was stated by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis that the Foundation is taking a calculated risk in purchasing vaccine before it has been found to be effective.

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: I cannot see how I can express an opinion on something that has been said by a very responsible body. My knowledge of vaccine is extremely limited.

...

SHRI D. NARAYAN: May I know the number of monkeys that died in transport, and who was responsible for it, whether the exporters or the importers?

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: The whole idea of regulating the export of monkeys arose from the fact that when the Prime Minister was in London it was brought to his notice that some monkeys had died merely because of the treatment and that is why Government felt that export should not be permitted until the conditions are controlled. I am unable to say what the conditions were except that some monkeys had died.

...

MR. CHAIRMAN: You want to make a fuller statement?

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMANCHARI: Yes, Sir. The position is this. Monkeys were being exported for the last three or four years. A former Finance Minister refused to answer a question because it was not the responsibility of any Minister. Recently there was an increase in the exports. That is largely because the National Foundation for Polio Research in the United States have been going about finding a vaccination for Polio... [original punct.]and the experiments gathered momentum during the last twelve months. I now understand that the first batch of vaccines would be released some time about the middle of this year. The number of monkeys that seems [sic] to be needed for this and allied medical research purposes is somewhere in the region of about a lakh. I do recognise that this matter does cause a lot of resentment not merely among the hon. Members of this house but among the public, namely, that we are exporting monkeys. But we do not want to make any gains out of it nor do we permit any commercial exploitation.

MR. CHAIRMAN: The question hour is over.'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner in India to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 28th April, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
28 Apr 1958
Description:

'...

[Starred Question No. 1604, answered in the Lok Sabha on 11th April:]

'REPORT OF MONKEYS

'...

[Starred Question No. 1604, answered in the Lok Sabha on 11th April:]

'REPORT OF MONKEYS

* 1604. SHRI D.C. SHARMA: Will the Minister of Commerce and Industry be pleased to state:

(a) the number of monkeys exported to foreign countries during 1957-58 for the purpose of scientific research; and

(b) the amount of foreign exchange earned?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE (SHRI NITYANAND KANUNGO):

(a) 1,28,261 during April-October, 1957. Figures for later months are not yet available.

(b) Rs 86,01,051.

--------------------------

Uncorrected - not for publication

--------------------------

Uncorrected - not for publication

...

SHRI D.C. SHARMA: To what countries are these exported?

SHRI KANUNGO: These are exported to such countries which provide ample satisfaction to the Government of India that the animals are used only for scientific purposes. The countries usually are: USA, UK, West Germany, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Sweden and a few others.

SHRI WODEYAR: May I know whether the monkeys exported from India to the foreign countries have proved worthy of scientific research?

SHRI KANUNGO: This particular variety is the only variety which could be used for the purpose.

SHRI V.P. NAYAR: May I know whether it is a fact that recently Government had banned the export of monkeys which weigh below 6 lbs. and if so, whether the Government had arrived at any decision after consultation with any of the Indian authorities whether such exports should be continued or prevented having regard to the fact that monkeys of all weights are used for the purpose of medical research?

SHRI KANUNGO: This restriction had been imposed as a result of the recommendation of a committee which was appointed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

...

SHRI GORAY: What is the average price that a monkey fetches?

SHRI KANUNGO: About Rs. 80 to Rs. 100 per monkey.'

Sent UK High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 25th February, 1958 (DO 35/8639).
25 Feb 1958
Description:

'EN CLAIR

No. 313.

Addressed to Commonwealth Relations Office No. 313, repeated Board of Trade No. Creda 23.

Government of India have banned with immediate effect export of monkeys weighing below six repeat six pounds.

2. At request of B.O.A.C. we are trying to get this decision modified so as to allow exporters to honour existing commitments.

3. Indian Health authorities claim that monkeys weighing less than six pounds are useless for medical purposes. Can you give us urgently authoritative expression of view on this point preferably from Medical Research Council.'

Sent UK High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 25th March, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
25 Mar 1958
Description:

'EN CLAIR

No. 417

My telegram No. 322 and letter of 15th March.

MONKEYS

1. We are receiving regular enquiries from air freight carriers (including B.O.A.C.) whose business is hampered by ban on export of monkeys under 6 lbs in weight[;] such carriers are forced to refuse carriage of other livestock, which [was] previously sent with monkey consignments.

...'

Sent UK High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 26th June, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
Description:

'EN CLAIR

No. 612

Our No. 693.

MONKEYS

1. Government of India have now published order permitting export of monkeys weighing four pounds and above.

2. Order also amends regulations for carriage of monkeys. Maximum of eight monkeys weighing between four and six pounds and six monkeys weighing over six pounds may be carried in standard container thirty six by nineteen by eighteen inches.

3. Copies of the order to follow by air mail.'

Sent UK High Commissioner in India to Commonwealth Relations Office, 6th May, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
6 May 1958
Description:

'CYPHER

No. 558 CONFIDENTIAL

Your telegram No. 789.

MONKEYS

We have discussed matter again with Indian authorities and expect to have another meeting with them at the end of this week.

2. It would be helpful if you could let us have by then any information Medical Research Council can provide to show that monkeys weighing between four and six pounds are better than monkeys weighing over six pounds for polio vaccine purposes on lines of German information quoted in paragraph 4 of O'Brien's letter of 22nd April to Time.'

Sent UK High Commissioner to Commonwealth Relations Office, 1st March, 1958 (DO 35/8639).
1 Mar 1958
Description:

'CYPHER

PRIORITY

No. 327 CONFIDENTIAL

My No. 322 paragraph 5.

MONKEYS

New regulations state. Begins.

Only five monkeys each weighing six pounds and above will be allowed to be put in a crate or container the overall dimensions of which are 36 inches long, 19 inches high and 18 inches deep inclusive of duckboard flooring a removable food and water tray and also a removable droppings tray.

Ends.

Incorporation of floorings and removable trays presumably reduces space available for animals and is reason for new limitation on number per cage. Question on which Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals might advise is whether floorings and trays are necessary and if they are whether restriction to five occupants is justified.'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner (India) to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 11th June, 1957 (DO 35/8639).
11 Jun 1957

Sent U.K. High Commissioner (India) to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 31st Aug. 1955 (DO 35/8639).
31 Aug 1955
Description:

'No. 1392 (1022/15)

The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in India presents his compliments to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and has the honour to transmit herewith copies of the undermentioned documents.

...

Name and date

Starred question No. 315 and answer given in Lok Sabha on 2nd August, 1955.

Subject

Export of Monkeys'

[attached to above: Starred question No. 315 and answer given in Lok Sabha on 2nd August, 1955.]

'LOK SABHA

Unstarred question No. 290

To be answered on the 10th August, 1955.

Export of Monkeys

SHRI IBRAHIM: Will the Minister of Commerce and Industry be pleased to state:

(a) the number of monkeys exported to foreign countries during the period from January to June, 1955; and

(b) the names of the countries to which they have been exported.

ANSWER

SHRI T.T. KRISHNAMACHARI

(a) 72,884 monkeys

(b) United States of America

United Kingdom

West Germany

Denmark

Netherlands

Canada

Italy

Australia.

Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a) and (b) of Starred Question No. 315 by SHRI M.L. DWIVENDI, SHRI RADHA RAMAN, SHRI N. RACHIAH, SHRIMATI IIA[?] PALCHOUDHURY, SHRI RAM DAS & SHRI M. ISLAMUDDIN to be answered in the Lok Sabha on the 2nd August, 1955.

--------------

(a) No. of monkeys exported

Year                     No.

1950                    23,013

1951                    14,615

1952                    7,954

1953                    17,329

1954                    68,358

1955 (up to 30.6.55)       72,884

(b) U.S.A.

The value of our annual exports to U.S.A. since 1950 and the average price realised for monkeys is as follows:

Year            Value of the Monkey exported Rs.       Average price per. Monkey Rs.     

1950                    1,43,929                                 6,9

1951                    1,18,464                                 10,4

1952                    70,764                                            17,6

1953                    2,27,540                                 16,6

1954                    11,57,974                               18,5

1955 (up to 30.6.55)       13,38,573                               20,6'

Sent U.K. High Commissioner (India) to Commonwealth Relations Office, 18th April, 1955 (DO 35/8639).
18 Apr 1955
Description:

'CYPHER IMMEDIATE

No. 458 CONFIDENTIAL

Your telegram No. 767.

RHESUS MONKEYS

Permission to export monkeys will in future only be given to air transport companies acting on behalf of research organisations and on a certificate that the monkeys are to be used for medical purposes only...

...'