[This Doenment is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
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OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
323
27520
[J22 AUG 11
[28420]
No. 1.
SECTION 2,
Sir,
India Office to Foreign Office.--(Received July 20.)
India Office, July 19, 1911.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to inform you that the question has been raised, by a reference from India, how much of the increased consolidated duty of 350 taels per chest imposed on opium imported into China represents import duty, and how much represents li-kin, or surtax. The ground of the enquiry is that, in view of clause 5 of the additional article to the Chefco convention, the point appears to be of some importance.
With regard to this, I am to say that, in the present altered circumstances, the Marquess of Crewe is not disposed to attach much importance to the terms of the additional article relating to the method of calculating the value of foreign opium for the purpose of ad valorem taxation over and above the consolidated duty, and that he doubts whether it is advisable to raise the question with China. He would be glad, however, if Sir Edward Grey sees no objection to learn what is the view of Sir John Jordon before coming to a decision.
[2106 u--2]
I am, &c.
R. RITCHIE.