[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
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75730
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[20721]
No. 1.
16 JUL 18 [June 16.]
SECTION 2.
Sir H. Howard to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 10.)
(No. 73. Commercial.) Sir,
The Hague, June 15, 1908. AT the sitting of the Second Chamber of the States-General on the 12th instant the following question was addressed to the Netherland Minister of the Colonies :
"In view of the establishment of an International Commission for the collection of data relative to the extent of the trade in and consumption of opium in the Far East, is the Minister of the Colonies prepared to make a communication on the following points :-
1. What has been done in connection therewith, respecting the extent of the illicit traffic in and the actual consumption of opium by the various races of Netherland India ?
"2. What measures are in contemplation in order to restrain, so far as possible, the smuggling of opium in the Dutch Colonies?
"3. Do the Government intend, following the example of China, Formosa, and the Philippines, to reform the Opium Régie in Netherland India in such a manner that the systematic diminution of the consumption of opium will follow ?"
The Minister of the Colonies replied as follows:-
Although the participation of the Netherlands in the proposed meeting of an International Commission to inquire into the trade in and consumption of opium does not call for any special measures at present, the Colonial Department are ready to reply, as follows, to the question put to them:-
"1. By means of the Régie, which has already been introduced into most districts, knowledge is acquired so far as possible in regard to the extent of the illicit traffic in and of the actual consumption of opium,
"The resumption by the Government of the leased opium farms which still exist in certain districts is in contemplation.
"2. The Government are considering the advisability of increasing the excise police, both by land and sea, with the object of repressing smuggling so far as possible.
"3. The aim and tendency of the Opium Régie is the diminution of the consumption of opium. So far as is needful and feasible, the Government will take measures for the diminution of the sale of opium without leading to an increase of smuggling; these measures will thus, in fact, reduce the volume of consumption, and they will be taken, even though they should necessitate a reform of the Régie.”
I have, &c. (Signed) HENRY HOWARD.
[1815 q-2]