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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
CO
37665
[November 26.]
SECTION 1.
REC?
[43026]
Sir,
REG 9 FC 10
No. I.
India Office to Foreign Office.--(Received November 26.)
India Office, November 26, 1910. WITH reference to your letter dated the 12th November, 1910, on the subject of opium arrangements with China, I am directed to forward, for the information of Sir Edward Grey. copies of enclosed telegrams, and to suggest that instructions may be given to Mr. Max Müller in accordance with the recommendations of the Government of India.
Enclosure 1 in No. 1.
I am, &c.
R. RITCHIE.
The Earl of Crewe to Government of India,
(Telegraphic.) P.
India Office, November 15, 1910. PLEASE see telegram regarding opium from Max Müller, dated 12th November. He wishes to know what is the earliest date on which permit system can possibly be enforced. You might refer to clauses (a) and (ƒ) of paragraph 2 in his telegram dated 29th September. It is necessary to insert in (a) a date on which the permit system may be started in India, and also a second date in (f) when it may be made effective in the Chinese Empire. So long as an interval is secured sufficient for the disposal of stocks in Hong Kong, and for their replacement by chests duly certified, do you see any reason why permit systom should not be introduced on 1st January, 1911 in India? If that were done, what interval would be required, and what date would
you insert in clause (f)? The 1st July, 1911, is suggested by Hosie. As the matter is urgent will you please reply immediately.
Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
Government of India to the Earl of Crewe,
November 24, 1910.
(Telegraphic.) P.
OPIUM negotiations. Your telegrams of the 15th and 22nd instant.
We desire to urge that the two following conditions, in addition to those indicated in paragraph 7 of our telegram of the 15th October, should be attached to acceptance of the proposal for earmarking opium; (2) that the same privileges as are given to earmarked opium shall be given to all Indian opium in stock in treaty ports on the the 1st July, 1911; (i) that the transference of earmarked opium from one treaty port to another, in original wrappings or otherwise, shall be allowed and provided for.
We are prepared, subject to these conditions, to earmark from the 1st January next. The second date to be fixed should, in our opinion, be so fixed that merchants will have six months' clear notice of the stoppage of the importation of non-carmarked opium. The proposals may affect considerable stocks both in India and in the Straits Settlements.
It will, of course, be remembered that it will be necessary for the other treaty Powers to assent to whatever date may ultimately be decided upon before this arrangement can take effect.
[2980 cc--1]
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