}
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governme
40791
CHINA TRADE,
CONFIDENTIAL.
[42528]
No. 1.
298
[November 201
00
SECTION 2.
Sir.
Colonial Office to Foreign Office.—(Received November 20.)
Downing Street, November 19, 1909.
I AM directed by the Earl of Crewe to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th October, transmitting a copy of a note from the United States chargé d'affaires, in which it is suggested that an international conference should be held to conventionalise the resolutions of the Shanghae Opium Commission.
2. Lord Crewe understands that it has been found necessary to consult the Government of India upon this proposal, and that their views are not likely to be received before the beginning of next year. In these circumstances, it would appear to be impracticable for Ifis Majesty's Government to furnish the United States Government with their views by the 1st December, as suggested in Mr. Carter's note.
3. Lord Crewe would, however, suggest, for the consideration of Secretary Sir E. Grey, that, on the receipt of the Indian Government's reply, an informal conference between representatives of your department, the India Office, the Board of Trade, and this Office might be held, with a view to considering the question and making suggestions as to the terms of the reply to be returned to the United States proposals.
4. In the meantime, his Lordship is referring the enclosures to your letter under reply confidentially to Sir C. Clementi Sinith, with a request for his observations on
the matter.
[2494 u-2]
am,
&c.
H. BERTRAM COX.