2
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
CHINA TRADE,
the Powers to the prohibition of import from abroad. But in the case of opium the question was one of the gradual modification of a national habit, and of the reduction simultaneously and by degrees of an immense internal production and a comparatively small import. The principle of pari passu reduction being accepted, the choice of procedure, as regards the import trade, lay between restriction by treaty or restriction by the voluntary action of the Indian Government. The Chinese Governinent accepted the latter as being simpler, more certain, and more expeditious. It is not alleged that the Indian Government have not scrupulously adhered to their under- taking. It has still to be proved at the end of 1910 that China has been able to perform her part of the engagement. On the basis of a pari passu reduction- a principle to which exception has not been taken--no present case exists for modifi cation of the treaties. The treaties do not fetter China in respect of the suppression of the production of opium, or of the regulation of consumption, whether of native or imported opium. They merely protect the wholesale dealer against action which, in [43640] the present stage of the opium question in China, would either promote the sale and stimulate the production of native opium or create monopolies in favour of individuals.
In conclusion, I am to say that not only the Indian Government, but also the chiefs of native States and the Indian producer and trader, have been called upon to make considerable sacrifices in the effort to co-operate loyally and generously with the Chinese Government in reforming a state of things in China for which they at most are only partly responsible. The effort has been warmly appreciated by the Chinese Government and has stimulated it in its great enterprise. It might be suggested to the committee that it is a policy of doubtful expediency to disparage and hold of no account what has been done, and to press for a reopening of the case before a fair trial has been given to engagements voluntarily concluded by the responsible Governments.
I am, &c.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Sir,
No. 1.
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Rro 24 DEC 09,
[November 29.]
SECTION 2.
India Office to Foreign Office.-(Received November 29.)
India Office, November 27, 1909.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 15th November, 1909, giving cover to a minute adopted by the Representative Board of British Anti-Opium Societies.
In reply, I am to invite reference to my letter of to-day's date on the subject of similar representations made by the Edinburgh committee for the suppression of the Indo-Chinese opium traffic, and to suggest that the same reply to both societies would be suitable.
I anı, &c.
R. RITCHIE,
R. RITCHIE.
[2494 ƒ-2]
prohibition of import from abroad. But in the case of opium the question was one of the gradual modification of a national habit and of the reduction simultaneously and
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