COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG,
Enclosure 7.
CIRCULAR No. 6.
C. O.
13146 49
TE RCR
REGE 4 W 87
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 30th May, 1887.
NEW OPIUM BILL.
Its principle is the complete control of Raw Opium within the jurisdiction of the Hongkong Government, a control which, if effectively carried out, will largely increase the public revenue by improving the Prepared Opium Farm, and will, at the same time, effectually prevent smuggling of opium into China from Hongkong.
The new Bill entitled The Opium Ordinances 1884 and 1887 is the outcome of an international commission, and carries out the terms of an agreement between Her Majesty's Government and China.
It is the wish of Her Majesty's Government, that the stigma attaching to this Colony as a Smuggling Depôt should be removed, and it is obvious that the more strictly the provisions of the Ordinance are carried out for the benefit of the Colony's revenue, the greater will be the advantage to China.
Moreover, it is the firm opinion of the Executive that the friendly relations between the Colony and China will be considerably strengthened, greatly in the interests of legitimate trade and the general prosperity of the Mercantile Community.
The Officer Administering the Government is therefore satisfied that, when the new law is in force, he can thoroughly rely on the intelligent, zealous, and hearty co-operation of the Magistrates, Police and Harbour Departments in giving every proper assistance to the Opium Farmer and his Staff, and to the Chinese Custom's Officers on the border, as without such co-operation the Government will not obtain the increased revenue which it expects, and the Chinese will fail to receive that loyal co-operation which Her Majesty's Government have promised.
His Excellency desires that the substance of this Minute may be communicated to subordinate Officers.
To the Police Magistrates, and the
Heads of the Police and Harbour Departments.
By Command,
FREDERICK STEWART, Acting Colonial Secretary.