[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
35258
[September 14.]
TREC 4 OCT 07 SECTION 1.
[30779]
No. 1.
Sir,
Messrs. E. D. Sassoon and Co. to Foreign Office.~(Received September 14.)
9, Fenchurch Avenue, London, September 13, 1907. WE have now the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated the 20th ultimo, and to express our thanks for the prompt action taken by the Secretary of State, which has resulted in the postponement of the proposed Government monopoly of prepared opium.
With regard to the Proclamation issued by the Viceroy of Nanking, of which Sir J. Jordan telegraphod that he had no knowledge, we have now received a copy from our Shanghae house, and beg to inclose same for the information of His Majesty's Government.
We note the Chinese Ministers' contention that a monopoly is essential for the success of their prohibitive measures, but we must protest against the establishment of same as being not only contrary to Treaty rights, but tantamount to a sudden and total prohibition of the trade of importers for the exclusive benefit of the Chinese Government. If, however, His Majesty's Governmeut ultimately decides to listen to such proposals, we beg respectfully to represent that it is absolutely necessary that merchants should, in common fairness, have at least twelve months' notice before the monopoly comes into force. Any sudden action such as proposed by the Viceroy of Nanking can only involve all concerned in enormous losses.
We have, &c.
(Signed) E. D. SASSOON AND Co.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Proclamation issued by the Officers in charge of the Kiang Nan (Nanking) Anti-Opium and Government Monopoly Bureau.
WHEREAS, in consequence of the great evils of opium smoking, Decrees have been promulgated for the prohibition of the sale of the drug within the period of a certain number of years, and whereas this Bureau has received instructions from the Viceroy to devise means for securing the Government monopoly of the sale of opium. In obedience to these instructions we have submitted plans and regulations which have received the approval of the higher authorities. Now, this Proclamation is issued for the information of opium dealers, that in future those who possess sufficient capital to carry on their trade are requested to apply to this Bureau for certificates permitting them to buy native and foreign opium and sell it exclusively to this Burcau. Permission for the retail sale of opium is to be stopped. Merchants not possessing sufficient capital may act as agents for this Bureau. A limited number will be registered and provided with permits. Those who wish to change their trade are at liberty to do so. Public opium-smoking houses must be closed at the end of the 6th moon.
The number of branches being limited, those anxious to act as agents should apply at once. They are further required to furnish guarantees for reliable "hongs.
This scheme will come into operation on the 25th day of the 6th moon, and meetings shall be held at this Bureau for organizing the establishment of branches and for framing proper rules. These rules are required to be submitted to the higher authorities for sanction. Persons of small means desirous of obtaining agencies should apply for a copy of the rules between the 5th and the 30th of the 7th moon.
Their namos shall be registered on proof of their having been in the trade previously. Permits will be furnished them forthwith without charge. No application will be considered when the limited number of agencies is filled up.
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