COPY. No. 773/1911.
Sir,
Enclosure 1.
C
41207
Government Hotse
243
Hongkong, 24th. July, 1911.
In view of the prohibition of the importa- -tion of Morphine and its Compounds into China and in the desire to prevent the substitution of the use of that drug and Cocaine, for the comparatively harmless habit of smoking opium, it has been enacted in this Colony that the export of Morphine and its Compounds, and of Cocaine is prohibited to all Countries which prohibit its import except under authority of the Government concerned for bona fide medicinal purposes.
There is nevertheless a large import of both these drugs, which are re-shipped to Hacao. I have been in com- -munication with the Governor of Llacao on this subject, and he informs me that there is a considerable export from that Colony to Mexico. Last month (June) 41 boxes of morphine, and 8 of cocaine were he states withdrawn by the exporters MacEwen Frickel and Company and Watkins, Limited, (both of Hongkong) for export to Mexican Ports.
I have the honour to enquire in the first place whether you are in a position to inform me whether this declaration is bona fide, e.g. whether the drugs are in point of fact really exported to Mexico, and allowed entry into Mexican Ports, and in the second place whether (if this is the case) it is possible to institute any methods of control over this traffic with a view to enabling tais Government to verify the trans- -actions in these drugs which are being carried on by Hongkong Firms.
His Britannic Majesty's Minister,
MEXICO.
I have etc., (Sd.) F. D. Lugard,
Governor, &c..