tion India to China, or läkning measures to foster the growth, not only for the Indian revenue only, but also for the Chinese; and the adoption of such a course might cause considerable difficulties for this Government. It is doubtful whether the Government of India should not restrict itself to the growth and sale of opium in India and leave all measures relating to opium after it leaves India to private trade and the Chinese Government.
The desirability of the course which it is proposed to adopt will, in all probability, largely depend on the manner in which the new Convention will be worked, and until that has been ascertained it would be premature to open further negotiations.
12. A copy of the reply which has been sent to Mr Keswick is annexed.
11. The Government of India will be much obliged if you examine the proposals suggested by Mr Keswick and the considerations embodied in this letter, both with reference to the practicability and expediency of working an agreement on the basis suggested and with reference to the dispatch of a special agent to India to communicate confidentially with this Government. Should you agree to the despatch of an agent, the Government of India would wish to be favoured with a full expression of your views.
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