Recipient of Sir Bennett Hance to R.G. Chisholm, 7th April, 1955 (DO 35/8639).
7 Apr 1955
Description:

'My dear Chisholm,

I send herewith copies of a letter I have received from Colonel W.S.S. Sharpe, D.P.H., of the Ministry of Supply.

The letter is largely self-explanatory, but I may perhaps add that the Indian Rhesus monkeys is an indispensable laboratory animal for medical research purposes, and is especially important for research into the virus diseases.

May I suggest that our High Commission in Delhi take up this question urgently with the Government of India in the sense of Lane-Petter's letter, stressing our anxiety to comply fully with such regulations as they may issue?

Are you aware, the Rhesus monkey is also held in great veneration by the Hindus [sic]; and the Government of India will naturally be sensitive on the subject.'