C O.
of the Chefoo Agreement relative to Opium will come into operation at the Treaty Ports and in the vicinity of Hong Kong on the 1st of February next,
I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant
P. 10 Cameron 1/02/1887 192 16!
Cypher to J. Walsham of 10 Jan 1887 No 3.
A note from Chinese You yesterday states that additional article of Chefoo agreement comes into force on the 1st of February at treaty ports, at the 6 stations in the vicinity of Hongkong. Chinese Officials will collect new rate of duties till 1st April, when maritime customs undertake collection.
I have informed Consuls and Hongkong and India by telegraph.
Numerous questions as to amount of duty leviable on opium contracted for antecedent to 1st February will doubtless arise, but I imagine that merchants would do well to accept new rate even in these cases.