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British ships leaving that port for Manila.
The extent to which British interests are affected
at this port is easily gathered from a perusal of the
lists referred to and in my opinion any amelioration
of the present harassing situation should commence at
Hongkong, not at Manila, as Hongkong is the port of
origin of the smuggling.
During the period of time above mentioned one
hundred and five casca sf seizures have occurred in
connection with the steamships of the lines referred to,
and fines have been levied on them at Fanila, Cebu and
Iloilo amounting to more than seven thousand pesos.
A perusal of the enclosed correspondence soems to
indicate twe broad issues.
1. The action which ought in the interests of British
shipping to be taken in Hongkong, either by the Hongkong
Government, or by the Shipping Companies concerned,
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prevent opium being smuggled on board at Hongkong.
Tame
344
India
The question is of such an important nature and so
vitally affects British shipping interests that this
action ought, in my opinion, to be taken by the Hongkong
Government and eught not to be left to private initiative.
2. The action which might possibly be taken by the
Philippine Government to impose severer bentences on the
smugglers of opium when arrested and tried.
When I am in a position to know what steps the
Hongkong Government are prepared to take in dealing with
this question at their end, I shall be enabled to
approach the Philippine Government with more certainty
of auccess on the second issus. In so far as the entry
of opium on British ships into Manila from Hongkong is
Med
Part
concerned,