RS1G1432
86 Bit,
592
India Office
13703
The 2 AUG
In the course
of
the
July 86
correspondence
which has taken place during the last few months relative to the new Opium Agreement with China three plans for the prevention
or diminution of smuggling
have been suggested (1) by Sir R. Hart, to the effect that the tax on the
drug in question should be levied at
Hong Kong instead of in China - (2) by
Mr O'Conor who considered that the
carrying trade in opium might perhaps be limited to British Ships and (3) by Mr Lister who proposed that an export duty should be
in India on all packages
imposed
that country.
the proceeds
exported from
being divided between Hong Kong,
the Straits Settlements, and China.
The first of these schemes has
Under Secretary of State,
been
Foreign Office.