:.
2
6. The practice of subcutaneous injection of morphia by a syringe or injection needles constitutes a grave public danger, and as such it was made the subject of prohibition under Clause XI of the Mackay Treaty, but the prohibition was not to be enforced until the other Treaty Powers assented to such enforcement. The Wai-wu Pu has communicated on this subject with the other Powers whose Commercial Treaties with China have not yet been settled, and has requested them to agree to this point, and to prohibit the exportation to China of morphia and of the syringes or injection needles. Most of the countries so applied to have given their consent. Those Under the circumstances, which have not yet replied have been urged to do so at once. and having regard to the fact that the object in view is a laudable one, the Chinese Government trust that the British Government will see their way to enforcing the Mackay Treaty on this point without delay.
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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[3955]
No. 1.
C. O.
7526 [February 4.]
SECTION 28 FEB 07
India Office to Foreign Office.~(Received February 4.)
Sir,
India Office, February 2, 1907. WITH reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the conditions under which Indian opium is imported into China and the proposals of the Chinese Government for modifying them, I am directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to suggest that, if Sir Edward Grey has no objection, His Majesty's Minister at Peking may be asked to ascertain the views of the Chinese Government as to the importation of Indian opium during the present year. I am to inclose the draft of a telogram which approves itself to Mr. Secretary Morley."
I am to explain that in the calendar year 1906 the number of chests of Bengal opium sold at the Calcutta auction in each month was 4,400, and that the Government of India, in June 1906, notified, for the information of the trade, that the same number would be sold in each mouth of the calendar year 1907. The greater part, though not the whole, of this opium is purchased for shipment to the China market or for ports from which it ultimately goes to China.
[2367 4-1]
I am, &c.
(Signed)
A. GODLEY.
*To Sir J. Jordan, No. 19, Telegraphic, February 4, 1907.
E