}
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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Geve: CC.
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
35263
RECO (REG! 7 NOV 12
[October 9.1
SECTION 1,
[42413]
No. 1.
(No. 208.)
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received October 9.)
(Telegraphic.) R.
Peking, October 9, 1912
YOUR telegram No. 159 of 28th September. Consul-general called on governor on 6th October, but latter, on plea of illness, has not yet returned visit.
Governor admitted unreservedly that he had ordered opium to be seized and burut at his official residence. His contention shortly is that Indian opium brought to non- treaty ports by native purchasers is in no better position than native opium, and that, under last year's agreement, a province can announce its intention of suppressing opium growth and simultaneously shut out Indian opium, the province being the sole judge whether this amounts to clear evidence under article 3.
Facts of the case have been clearly established, and there only remains question of settlement.
I propose, if you approve, that His Majesty's consul-general should remain for the present at Anking, and that I should urge Wai-chiao Pu to instruct governor to return his visit and arrange for settlement on the following basis: Full compensation for value of opium destroyed, and issue throughout the province of a proclamation embodying the Wai-wu Pu's circular telegram of 15th June, 1911 (see enclosure 3 in my despatch No. 268 of 1st July, 1911).
(Sent to India.)
[2660 i-1]
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