4
punished with severity, the evil will rapidly spread to the other provinces, with the result that China will find herself confronted with the most difficult and humiliating. situation.
The order just issued by President Yuan against any relaxation of effort on the part of both the metropolitan and provincial officials is, therefore, most opportune, and shows that he regards the matter with seriousness and apprehension. While we feel that the matter requires immediate attention, we are by no means discouraged over what has transpired in Yünnan and Szechuan, nor do we apprehend that this temporary relapse will not be remedied as soon as peaceful conditions are restored. It is certain that, having once set their hand to the plough, to deliver the Chinese people and nation from the curse of the opium habit, President Yuan and Premier Tang will not rest satisfied until they have finally and completely accomplished their undertaking.
We firmly believe, and justifiably, that when order and tranquillity are restored, the work of the opium suppression movement will progress with even greater celerity than under the old régime.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[14568)
No. 1.
250
CO
1.94
he
[April 6.]
SECTION 2.
ReaS 3 MAY 12
Colonial Office to Foreign Office.~(Received April 6.)
Downing Street, April 4, 1912. Sir,
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the information of Sir Edward Grey, with reference to letter to the Colonial Office of the 23rd March, 1912, a copy of telegrams to and from governor, Strait Settlements, on the subject of the prohibition of the export of opium to Macao.
I am, &c.
JOIN ANDERSON.
13
Enclosure 1 in No. 1.
Mr. Harcourt to the Governor of the Straits Setilements.
Downing Street, March 28, 1912. (Telegraphic.) P.
REFERRING to my telegram of the 28th February. Have taken you
further action with regard to export to Macao?
any
Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
(Telegraphic.)
Governor of the Straits Settlements to Mr. Harcourt.
P.
IN reply to your cypher telegram of the 28th March.
March 29, 1912.
Opium exportation to Macao has been prohibited entirely as from the 1st March, by order in council. Confidential despatch was forwarded to you by mail, which left colony on the 8th March.
[2458 ƒ-2]
Ty