(This document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[August 27.]
SECTION O
33355
Mr. Carnegie to Sir Edward Grey-(Received August 27.)
RECEIVED 10 SEP 06
Peking, July 11, 1906.
With reference to my despatch No. 91 of the 3rd March last, Sir E. Satow inclosed copy of a letter which he had addressed to the foreign Representatives here on the subject of the importation of morphia into China. They all, with the exception of the Portuguese, Spanish, Austrian, and Mexican Representatives, informed Sir Ernest that they were referring the question to their respective Governments.
On the 9th June I received a note from the French Minister, of which I inclose a copy, stating that, according to French law, it was impossible to prohibit French subjects from manufacturing morphia in China, but that the desired result could be obtained if the Chinese Government lowered the import duties and organized regulations, in conjunction with the Powers, for its sale. The French Chargé d'Affaires informed me that his Government wished to reserve the question.
A few days later the German Chargé d'Affaires informed me that his Government was considering the importation into China of morphia in order that it might be discussed in conjunction with the proposed German-Chinese Commercial Treaty, into which it was desired to introduce an Article on the subject, similar to that contained in the British and American Treaties with China.
On receiving the above information, which must render all further negotiations regarding the importation of morphia fruitless for the present, I had the honour to address to you my telegram No. 124 of the 15th June.
The Belgian, Italian, and American Representatives have informed me that their Governments are prepared to consent to the restrictions on the importation of morphia on the conditions suggested by His Majesty's Government. I have the honour to inclose copy of the note from the American Minister, in which he states that his Government would be pleased to receive a copy of the draft of legislation proposed by the British Government.
Yesterday I asked my German colleague, who has been absent for some weeks, whether he had informed the Chinese Government of the views of his Government. He said he had done so, and he sent me a copy of his note to the Wai-wu Pu, which I do not reproduce. He said that its sense is precisely similar to that of the communication he made to me. It states, however, that in the course of the negotiations respecting a Commercial Treaty which took place last year the German Government had already expressed their willingness to meet the wishes of the Chinese Government in this matter.
I have informed such of my colleagues as are here just now of the reply received by the German Chargé d'Affaires from his Government.
I have, &c.
(Signed) LANCELOT D. CARNEGIE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
M. Bapst to Mr. Carnegie.
Chargé d'Affaires,
Légation de la République Française en Chine,
Pékin, le 6 Juin, 1906.
M. Ernest Satow avait bien voulu, à la date du 1er Mars dernier, faire connaître à mon prédécesseur les conditions auxquelles le Gouvernement Britannique consentirait à l'interdiction par la Chine de l'importation de la morphine et des instruments servant à l'injection hypodermique de ce produit.
Le Ministre des Affaires Etrangères, auquel M. Dubail en avait référé pour prendre des mesures à prendre pour parvenir au but désiré, vient de me répondre qu'il est impossible dans l'état actuel de notre législation d'interdire à nos nationaux la fabrication de la morphine en Chine, mais M. Bourgeois estime qu'on atteindrait le but...
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