← [This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[29348]
No. 1.
470
[August 24.]
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received August 24.)
(No. 350.) Sir,
Peking, July 31, 1908.
REFERRING to my despatch No. 344 of the 24th instant, I have the honour to inclose a translation of the reply of the Wai-wu Pu to my note informing them of the Ordinance to prohibit the exportation of prepared opium from Hong Kong to China and French Indo-China, which was passed by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on the 2nd instant.
The Wai-wu Pu express full appreciation of the friendly action of His Majesty's Government and the Governor of Hong Kong, and state that they have informed the High Commissioners for the Prohibition of Opium and the Viceroy of Canton of it.
I have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Prince Ching to Sir J. Jordan.
(Translation.) Sir,
Peking, July 29, 1908.
WITH regard to the prohibition of the trade in prepared opium between Hong Kong and Chinese territory, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note of the 24th instant, inclosing copy of an Ordinance which was issued by the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and assented to by the Governor of Hong Kong on the 3rd instant. Under this Ordinance the exportation of prepared opium from Hong Kong to China and French Indo-China is declared unlawful, and persons violating the law are rendered liable to severe penalties.
The Wai-wu Pu have taken note of this enactment, which fully testifies to the complete and friendly assistance given by His Britannic Majesty's Government and his Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong in this matter. The Opium Prohibition Commissioners and the Viceroy of Canton have also been informed of the action taken by the Hong Kong Government.
I avail, &c.
[1904 aa-1]