on the subject and with all other necessary information
401412 E
Con Coward & the Dept. of Finance
aud
melee
information.
For Identidi No 2770, dated Simla, the 29 August 1885
From Lt Finlay Egy, Under Secretary
the Govt of India, Financial Dept,
20. Off Recreation Club, Calcutta.
I am directed to acknowledge a copy of your letter of the 5 August to H + Barbour, suggesting the desirability of entering into an arrangement with China for the collection of the Chinese duty and tax on opium, asking whether there is any likelihood of some agreement being arrived at on the basis indicated in your letter, and stating that China would be prepared to send a special Commissioner with power to come to an understanding with the Govt of India in the matter.
2. In reply, I am directed to state that, if the Chinese Govt wish to send to India an informal agent, the Govt of India won't be prepared to give attention to anything he might have to say and to furnish him with information he might require provided that he came with the consent of Her Majesty's Minister, and that Her Majesty's Minister had full knowledge of the purpose for which he was sent, and the instructions given to him.