R. & S. 2917.
(36924).
Sir:-
INDIA OFFICE,
WHITEHALL,
LONDON, S.W.,
November 1st, 1906.
I am directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No.35165 of the 19th October 1906 relative to an enquiry by the American Ambassador as to the view which His Majesty's Government would take of a Joint Investigation of the opium trade and the opium habit in the Far East.
In reply I am to say that Mr. Secretary Morley considers that His Majesty's Government should agree to associate themselves in the proposed enquiry, if the other powers named in your letter are willing to take part in it; and if, as regards China, the enquiry extends to the production of opium in China as well as to the import of foreign opium.
I am to remark that the Colonial Office would seem to be also interested in the matter.
I have &c.,
(Signed)
A. Godley.
The Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office.