2
(1) The advisability of reciprocal right of search of vessels suspected of carrying contraband opium.
(m.) The advisability of measures to prevent the unlawful use of a flag by vessels engaged in the opium traffic.
(n.) The advisability of an international commission to be entrusted with the carrying out of any international agreement concluded.
The above subjects His Majesty's Government are not prepared to discuss, and they further consider that the following matters should be excluded from consideration by the conference : ------
1. The arrangements made between His Majesty's Government and China respecting the progressive restriction of the importation and production of opium in China.
2. All other existing treaties between the two countries.
3. Any resolution specifically affecting the domestic regulation of the production and use of opium and cognate questions of internal administration in India or any other portion of the British dominions.
You should therefore refuse to enter into discussion at the conference of any of the above subjects, though this proviso does not preclude your communicating to the conference, if desired, any information in regard to systems of regulation in India or the colonies that might be of assistance to the labours of the delegates.
Further delay was caused by the time involved in making the necessary preliminary studies as to the trade conditions and manufacture of morphia and cocaine in the countries concerned, but finally, all the countries interested having notified their compliance with the conditions precedent, His Majesty's Government signified their readiness to attend a conference, and invitations were issued by the Netherlands Government for the 1st December.
Originally the United States Government promised a definitive programme based upon the suggestions and views of the participating Governments, but they subsequently withdrew this promise and stated that they would merely collate and prepare for circulation at the meeting of the conference the reservations and proposals received from the various Governments, while the conference itself would draw up the final programme, based on such reservations and proposals, whether communicated previously to the United States Government or made at the opening of the conference. Under these circumstances it is difficult to provide you with more definite instructions than those stated above, but you should refer to this Office for instructions on any point on which you are in doubt.
Finally, I would add that your powers to enter into any agreement are not plenary, but are merely of an ad referendum nature. You will also bear in mind that any convention that you may sign will not thereby be binding on any of His Majesty's self-governing dominions, colonies, or protectorates, but you will be careful to secure for them the right to adhere to any such convention, should they wish to.
1911
HONG KONG
EASTERN
Joreejn
Date.
15 Dec!
Last previous Paper.
0.
30200
39988
401445
C Q
40177 337
REOP
REC FC ||
Apuim fonference
States that bonfer has agreed upon
definitions apline
#
Lum
Raus, Prepared,, medicine
& protes definitions
Mo740205
upié
I am, &c.
E. GREY.
To 00:
18 bee
(48,142), W6.22961-14. 7000. 11/11. A..W.
Next subsequent Paper
0.402 01"