CONFIDENTIAL.
C.O
185
12986
[REC
Raat 17 APK 3
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG. 26th. March, 1913.
Sir.
Eave 1006
72-13
With reference to your Confidential Despatch
of the 18th. January last, I have the honour to state that, while it is no doubt a fact that opium is most commonly smuggled in 5 tael tins, the Ordinance No. 2 of 1913 recently passed was more particularly aimed at smuggling into America, Manila and other countries of the same class, and that for such a purpose there is no practical difference between the two-tael and five-tael tins as commonly used since a large quantity occupies much the same space without regard to the original packing.
Although the five-tael tin has been abolished in Singapore it is still possible for any person there to purchase an unlimited quantity of prepared opium in one-tael pots which can be easily unpacked the opium being again packed to facilitate smuggling operations. It would therefore appear that a limit of total quantity in any person's possession is the necessary safe- -guard, and not the limit of the size of the tin.
The smuggling of prepared opium into China has
up to now been almost non-existent but it is surmised that some quantity is now being smuggled over the border of the New Territori. -es in the smallest sized pots obtainable, while it is probable that suuggling will take place or will be attempted in the future by
passengers THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LEVIS HARCOURT, M.P.,
&C.,
&C..
&C...