616
of an article
Easily carried as puim.
The proximity of Hong-Kong - a British colony - to the mainland China affords many facilities in the surreptitious conveyance of drug into the country, and although the extreme unfriendly blockade by revenue cruisers has been resorted to, it is not an efficient remedy, is very costly, and is a source of continual international trouble and constant friction.
At the Treaty Ports too, although import duty on opium is levied, the lekin tax is most difficult to collect, and especially at Shanghai its collection leads to frequent conflict with municipal authority and to endless controversy. With such an understanding as suggested, and with duty and Lekin collected together in one payment, China would be freed from great expense in maintaining a preventive service, and would be able to collect every cent of duty justly receivable.
In consideration thereof of these advantages and in recognition of the friendly services rendered by India and the British Colonies interested, China should be requested to immediately sanction the right of trade and residence in her territory to British subjects on the same conditions that the right of trade is accorded to other foreigners.