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Enclosure 3
351
COPY.
MANILA,
3rd. August, 1912.
Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co.Ltd.,
Dear Sire:
Hongkong,
INDA-CHINA STEAM NAVIGATION (T.LED.
OPIUM SYUGGLING. We have no official advico, but ptain Folfo informs US
that the Collector of Customs advisol him this morning that ho had cortain infometion
that a very large quantity of opium was hidlen in the bunkers of his stew or, and
that he was contemplating insisting on having all thò coal discharyod from the bunkora.
which would delay the vessel considerably, and which he was not dosircus of doing.
Unless the opium is found before the vessel's doparture, in order not to dotain the
vessel hero for further soarch, Captain Polfe informs us he has prominod the folloctor
of Customs that he will have the bunkers discharged and searched for opium immodiat oly
on arrival in Hongkong under an European guard; and he has asked us to bolegraph you
to this effect, which we shall do on departure of this vessel.
We understand the Collector of Customs is not at all satisfied with the
sare taken by the Authorities at yours to prevent the exportation of opium from
Hongkong, and that he intends to fine very stomer on which opiwa is found here until
the question is taken up more seriously on your side. cf course, we are not in e
position to say what steps are exactly taken by you, or by your Authorities, to
stop the exportation of opium from Hongkong, but this information will no doubt be
of use to you.
GV.
To are, doar 3irs,
Yours faithfully,
SUTTH, BELL & O., LTD.
India
Med