85
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government,
C. O. 33136 [August 9.]
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[27476]
No. 1.
[RECH
SECTION 107
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.)
(No. 159.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, August 9, 1907. WITH reference to your telegram No. 87, dated the 18th July, 1907, I would suggest the prohibition of the import and export trade in prepared opium hetween Hong Kong and China, and that smuggling should be prevented by each Government taking measures to prevent its being so conveyed into its own territories.
The opium farmer is entitled by his licence to prepare and sell opium within the Colony only, and he would not therefore be prejudiced, while the legitimate trade of Hong Kong would not be appreciably affected, as the Customs returns show that under 13 piculs of prepared opium, of which 4 came from Macao, were imported altogether into China last year from foreign countries and from Hong Kong.
[2623 i-1]