228
Messrs Jardine, Matheson, and Co.
From these enclosures it will be seen
that some of the Chinese Officials
do not seem disposed to
the stipulations entered into
in your
despatch of
20th January
Three circumstances have
induced me to consider carefully
the instructions conveyed in your
Confidential despatch of 20th January
last which sanctioned the
revised Draft and authorized me to
carry out the arrangements by
introduction of the Opium Law, and to
advise the Foreign
Customs Officials to perform their
strictest duty with regard to
the agreement and to treaty obligations.
It is the Native Officials, naturally disgusted at seeing a collection very profitable to themselves transferred from their hands, who are
accused of levying duties which are altogether unauthorized.
I have learnt that arrangements with Macao were concluded,
"unless any action on the part of
the Chinese Authorities in connection with
the Junk trade", such as is referred to
in your cypher telegram of the 12th instant,
"should in my opinion render desirable a postponement"
of...