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circumstances of the opium trade and the opium habit in the Far East may require.
As regards India and the other British territories concerned, the opium question has already formed the subject of investigation by Commission or of instructions from His Majesty's Government, and it is therefore unnecessary, as far as this country is concerned, that a fresh investigation should be conducted for the investigation of facts which are already well known. The British Representatives would be ready to meet the other Commissioners when the latter had concluded their enquiries and to place the result at their disposal.
I shall be grateful if Your Excellency will submit these suggestions to the consideration of the American Government and will communicate to me in due course.