It was also suggested that the procedure should be by way of Commission rather than by Conference. The other Powers having apparently concurred in this view, they all agreed to the procedure. Japan agreed, and China, after some hesitation, and after it had been explained that "after the method of investigation shall have been agreed on by the Commissioners, each Government shall itself make the investigation within its own territory", concurred.
It is not clear whether a Commission would be appointed on behalf of China, or whether China would conduct the investigation on its own. H.M.G. understood that this referred to the International Conference held in April 1907, where the question of the production of opium in China, as well as the import of foreign opinion into that country, was discussed.
The French Ambassador explained to the Chinese that the Commissioners should inquire in their respective possessions and then take counsel together. The F.O. asked for observations on Mr. Whitelaw Reid's proposals. The question is whether they will affect the Eastern Colonies. Steps are already being taken in Ceylon to suppress the traffic.
The Malay Peninsula has already been held to be a region where action is needed, and a report is expected in the Autumn. So far as the F.M.S. is concerned, a Special Commissioner has been appointed on their behalf.
There remains the question of Hong Kong, which the Governor of Hong Kong suggested should be visited by the British Commissioner. The Governor has already taken steps to close the dens, and the Colonial Government reserves to itself the right to act as it may see fit. The conclusions of the Commissioners will not be binding on Hong Kong.
A note from Whitelaw Reid dated May 8th (enclosed with this letter) makes the position clear. The difficulty is largely a financial problem for the Colonial Government to solve.
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