î
(2)
193
7.
Such generous treatment accorded to the Native States (where the interests concerned are many, and where soil and clinate are peculiarly favourable to the poppy) contrasted with drastic suppression of the Indian Government monopoly by an act of British self-sacrifice, may be expected to evoke an outburst of loyalty throughout India, such as no other occasion offers.
the Bengal cultivator needs no compensation. The costs of production to the Indian Goverment, other than payments to the cultivators, are very mall. (See "Black Opium”.p.7). The opium export merchant has received fair warning: he has no claim to compensation. Such an Imperial Extinction Fund could give any financial aid needed to the Governments of the Crown Colonies, liong Kong, and Native Staten, where equitable.
Kone but responsible Statesmen can decide what sum will give the Indian Government needful time to readjust her
The fact finances to replace the loss of her opium revenue. that the Viceregal Council was facing the loss with equanirity if spread over seven years, without aid from Great Britain, would seem to suggest that the equivalent of 2, 24, or 3 yeara' opium revenue, received as a grant in aid from Great Britain, would enable the Indian Government willingly to terminate at once that which it recognizes to be "morally indefensible" The suggestion of an Imperial kemorial would of course only be possible to carry out, if warmly endorsed by the public, and sanctioned by His kajesty.