[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
2546
[Aughs 46 JAN 12)
547
SECTION 3.-
[31369]
No. 1.
(No. 172.)
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
CANTON opium restrictions.
Peking, August 9, 1911.
Please refer to my telegram No. 171 of the 3rd instant.
I have telegraphed to consul-general at Canton as follows:---
"A further note has reached me from the Wai-wu Pu reiterating their request for the closure, under article 3 of the agreement, of certain provinces. Cotil we have satisfactory assurances from the Viceroy at Canton that the restrictions will not be renewed the request cannot be entertained, and I so informed the board to-day.
"In reply to this statement the vice-president told me that it was possible for the Viceroy, under the terms of the instructions sent to his Excellency, to give you some verbal assurance, as, for example, that he would regard the interpretation placed by the board on article 7 (see my despatch No. 25 of the 28th July) as binding.
"Please seek an interview with Viceroy, and inform me by telegraph of any assurances that are given and whether they are satisfactory in your opinion."
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