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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.}
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The Memorandum contained various other proposals, all of which I have commu- nicated for the consideration of His Majesty's Government, from whom I am as yet without instructions. As soon as I am definitely informed by Sir Edward Grey of the attitude I should adopt in regard to the proposals of the Wai-wu Pu, I will issue circular instructions to His Majesty's Consuls, and in the meanwhile you need not initiate any action unless the question is brought to your attention by the Chinese authorities.
As the latter is a possible eventuality I would draw your attention to the inclosed letter, dated the 12th January, from the Chairman of the Shanghae Municipality, written in reply to one from the Senior Consul, inclosing a Proclamation proposed to be issued by the Taotai and having for its object the closing of opium houses. This letter was published in the "North China Daily News" of the 17th January. In the concluding paragraph the Council express their readiness to support the local autho- rities to the full extent of their power as soon as there is evidence of bond-fide intention on the part of the Chinese Government to give practical effect to their present protestations.
This attitude, adopted by the Municipal Council of an international Settlement, appears to me fair and reasonable, and it is, in my opinion, desirable that every willingness should be shown in a British Concession to co-operate with the Chinese authorities in any genuine endeavour to suppress the opium babit. Should you, therefore, be approached by them in the matter, I see no objection to your giving them the assurance that you are ready to take measures for the closing of opium shops in the Concession similar to those that may be put into practice by them outside.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
(CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[10243]
Sir,
No. 1.
[March 30.]
SECTION
CO.
13822
19 APR 07,
India Office to Foreign Office.--(Received March 30.)
R India Office, March 28, 1907. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, forwarding a copy of a letter from dealers in Indian opium at Shanghae, and asking for his opinion as to the reply that should be returned to it.
I am to suggest that the writers of the letter might be informed that it is not possible at the present stage of the question to state the action which His Majesty's Government may eventually take on the proposals of the Chinese Government for restricting the importation of foreign opium; but that their request to be made acquainted at the earliest possible date with the measures decided upon will be borne in mind. It might also be pointed out to the memorialists that the summary of the Chinese Government's proposals, communicated to the press from Peking, make it clear that a gradual restriction of the trade in the course of a term of years is contemplated.
1 am, &c. (Signed) A. GODLEY.
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