My Lord:-
With reference to my despatch No. 214, Commercial of the 18th ultimo, I have the honour to report that I have received a Note from the French Minister for Foreign Affairs stating that instructions have been sent to the Governor General of Indo-China to examine into and report on the system now in force at Saigon of offering rewards for information in cases of Opium Smuggling.
His Excellency adds that as soon as Monsieur Doumer's report is received the French Government will consider how far it will be possible to meet the complaints of the Masters of British Vessels as to the harsh application of the Law to prevent smuggling carried on without their knowledge &c.;
Marquess of Salisbury, K.G.,
&c.,
and