PEKING, March 27th, 1908.
Referring to my despatch of March 3rd and to my telegram of yesterday, I have the honour to enclose a translation of a note from the Wai-Wu-Pu, dated March 24th, in which the measures taken by the Chinese Government to meet Your Excellency's wishes in regard to the prohibition of the export of prepared opium from China to Hong Kong are stated. A memorial was presented to the Throne on March 22nd to the effect that His Majesty's Government had agreed that both countries should take steps to stop smuggling, and recommending that the trade in prepared opium to Hong Kong from China should be prohibited; an Imperial Rescript sanctioning the memorial has been issued, and also instructions to the Provincial Authorities concerned; and the Viceroy of Canton has ordered all Customs and Likin stations and Local Authorities to take preventive measures.
His Excellency
Sir F.D.Lugard, K.C.M.G., C.B.
Governor and Commander-in-Chief,
Hong Kong.