2
of such raw opium have but to convert it into "boiled opium," to pass it into China without restriction. By this, the action of the Government of India in ear-marking a quantity of opium for entry into China is nullified, and we, moreover, who have purchased this ear-marked or "certified" opium at very high rates, stand to lose heavily if steps are not taken by the Chinese authorities to control the entry of prepared opium into China.
We fully realise that the authorities in China have apparently not foreseen the troubles likely to arise from the fact that while the import of uncertified Bengal raw opium is prohibited, prepared opium (to which no definitions of certified or uncertified can apply) may be legally imported by paying the fixed duty and li-kin, but we have not the least doubt that if the Government of India calls attention to this anomaly, China will do all that is necessary to prevent the unrestricted importation of boiled opium.
We therefore have the honour to request that the Government of India will represent matters to the Chinese Government without delay.
We have, &c.
A. G., Manager,
(For David Sassoon and Co. (Limited)).
E. D. SASSOON AND Co. SASSOON J. DAVID AND Co. CURRIMBHOY EBRAHIM AND CO.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[41761]
Sir,
No. 1.
Foreign Office to India Office.*
со
36988
Rece [Ober 24.NOV !!
SECTION 1.
Foreign Office, October 24, 1911. WITH reference to your letter of the 14th instant concurring in the date proposed by the Netherlands Government for the opening of the Opium Conference at The Hague, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to inform you that he would be glad to be acquainted as soon as possible with the names of the gentlemen whom the Secretary of State for India proposes to designate as delegates of His Majesty's Government at the conference.
[2226 aa-−1]
I am, &c.
F. A. CAMPBELL.
* Also to Colonial Office, mututis mutaudis.
117