regulations have been drawn up and enforced more or less throughout the southern province. In the northern provinces it was only after the visit of his Excellency the Viceroy that any effective action was taken. The regulations provide for the closing of the opium dens, prohibition to all under 20 years of age, the licensing of opium smokers, the gradual lessening of the quantity consumed, opening of establishments for the cure of the habit, and punishments of offenders. These regulations are all rigorously carried out in the southern province. The high officials have shown a zeal that leaves no room to doubt their sincerity.
Of what has been effected in the way of controlling and limiting the cultivation I have only reports from the northern provinces. In Heilungchiang, the nursery of the Manchurian poppy, no perceptible diminution of the area cultivated. In Kirin, some localities, but last year was an exceptionally bad year for the poppy crop, and it is difficult to arrive at the real facts. An official who is himself an earnest reformer has told me that there has not been so much effected as might have been expected, but assures me that the present year will see a great improvement.
As regards the southern province of Fengtien, one has personal observation to go upon. It was of this province that I spoke when I said 90 per cent.; I simply meant to say that the cultivation of the poppy in Southern Manchuria had practically ceased. I travelled a good deal in the districts of Haicheng, Liaoyang, and Mukden during the poppy season last year, and was greatly struck with the almost total disappearance of the once ubiquitous poppy garden. Here and there one came across a field, but it was extremely rare. I talked about it with the villagers and gathered that they were afraid to sow owing to the new regulations. I infer from this that the change is not by any means voluntary. Unless the regulations are rigorously enforced there would be no lessening of the area cultivated anywhere. And I am quite sure that the difference between the province of Fengtien and the other provinces is entirely owing to his Excellency the Governor Tang Shao Yi.
January 24, 1908.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[7842]
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
[March 8.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 50.)
Foreign Office, March 8, 1908. (Telegraphic.) P.
OPIUM at Shanghae. Your despatch No. 547 of the 25th November. As soon as decision of ratepayers is given, please let me know by telegraph.
[2889 h-1]
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