I shall be glad if you will be good enough to submit the list of questions enclosed therein to such persons in Straits Falls as you would think would be able and willing to give information on the subject; including, if possible, (a) the most intelligent and trustworthy gentlemen of Oriental races, and (b) officials, medical men, merchants, and others who are conversant specially with Chinese and other Asiatic consumers of opine; and in making your selection you will do so with the utmost impartiality.
They should be invited to send in their answers to you with a view to furnishing the best possible information on all points of the subject.
I think it will be convenient for the information to be transmitted by you direct to the Secretary, Royal Commission on Opium, as soon as possible.
I request you also to furnish me with copies of the answers obtained.