Copy of Telegram No. 318 dated 9834
Memorandum on Correspondence regarding New Opium Regulations for Junks at Canton.
1. April 18, 1871.
2. W. Wade received a despatch from Mr. Robertson, who stated that he is informed by the local Gendarmes that the Authorities in Peking, including the Tsung-li Yamen, have instructed the Canton Governor to levy an extra tax on Opium carried in native junks, and with that object to issue a set of Regulations on May 6, 1871.
W. Wade wrote officially to the Prince of Kung, asking for a copy of the proposed Regulations, and quoted in his despatch the statement of the Canton Government that the instructions on the subject have come from the Yamen of Foreign Affairs.
3. May 7, 1871.
The Ministers of the Yamen replied semi-officially that they have never instructed the Canton Government in the manner stated, that the proposed Regulations only concern native Vessels, and will not...