COR
Copy.
Enclosure No. 21.
SECRETARY OF STATE
FOREIGN OFFICE,
LONDON.
202
HongKong, 10th June, 1910.
Canton Authorities now enforce tax whereby dues on prepared opium
are collected from raw opium dealers whose licences are cancelled
and new licences can only be obtained through private Chiness firm
who have got Chinese Government monopoly this forms breach of trea-
ties especially articles two three and five British Chefoo Agreement 1885 and Article 16 French Treaty 1858 raw opium trade entirely at standstill and very large purchases made from Indian Government
with understanding that treaty rights would not be impaired will now result in enormous losses unless new monopoly withdrawn Consul General Canton declines to act stating tax not differential Charge D'Affaires hesitates take other view than Consuls Chamber Commerce HongKong strongly protest against creation of monopoly contrary to Treaty and imposition new tax and beg you will after consideration instruct Charge D'Affaires insist on fulfillment treaty obligations
Hewett
Chairman.