Memorandum for Nicholas Roosevelt from A. D. Surles, with Attachments
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OCR Page 1 of 19WAR DEPARTMENT
BUREAU OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
to
WASHINGTON
owl
December 29, 1942
in
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. NICHOLAS ROOSEVELT,
OFFICE OF WAR INFORMATION:
Reference to the attached correspondence from Mr.
W. B. Walsh of the Syracuse University Rumor Clinic, concern-
ing certain allegations made by Dr. E. R. Kellersberger on
leprosy in Africa, I have discussed this matter with the Sur-
geon General and the following is, substantially, his comment
on the disease:
"There is not the slightest foundation in fact for
the allegations. Among the infectious diseases of man leprosy
is very nearly the least transmissible. Years of intimate
association with a leper are usually a factor of paramount im-
portance. Early childhood is the age of greatest susceptibility.
Infection by contact of short duration with a leper is a rarity
which can be dismissed as unworthy of serious consideration in-
sofar as U. S. troops are concerned.
"The incidence of leprosy in the United States Army
for the years 1934-1939 inclusive was very low. Four individuals
developed the disease during the six year period, all of whom were
natives of the Philippine Islands. Manifestly if leprosy were
highly contagious, as alleged, there should have been an outbreak
of epidemic proportions. Furthermore, there should have been many
cases among the United States troops in China where lepers roam
the crowded streets without hinderance, begging for alms.
"The following is a tabulation of the cases of leprosy
detected in United States troops during the period in question.
1934
3 cases
(Filipinos)
1935
O =
1936
0 If
1937
0 "
1938
1 case
(Camp John Hay)
1939
0 cases."
FOR VICTORY
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