2
(13,5201.) with a limit of 2,000 cases, in Hong Kong with a limit of only 900 cases the income from the monopoly rose to 1,200,000 patacas (109,090.). Does this difference arise from the above provision which does not exist in Macao?
Portugal is prepared to co-operate sincerely in the gradual restriction of the opium trade in Macao, but the British Government will easily understand that they are anxious, as far as may be possible within the limits of reason and justice, to at the same time preserve the important revenue which Macao draws from the opium monopoly.
I avail, &c.
AUGUSTO DE VASCONCELLOS.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[53246]
No. 1.
Foreign Office to India Ofice.
2663
96
RECH REG 24 JAN 13
[December 18.]
SECTION 2.
Sir,
Foreign Office, December 18, 1912. WITH reference to the letter from this Office of the 13th instant, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to transmit herewith, to be laid before the Marquess of Crewe, copy of a telegram from is Majesty's Minister at Poking reporting on the present situation in regard to the opium question in China.*
Sir E. Grey would be glad if Lord Crewe would favour him with his views in regard
to the last paragraph of Sir J. Jordan's telegram.
A telegram is being sent to Sir J. Jordan enquiring whether the sale of native as well as Indian opiuni is being effectively prohibited in the provinces. If the Chinese authorities have really stopped consumption the case is very different, in Sir E. Grey's opinion, to what it would be if their illegal prohibition of Indian opium were accompanied by increased consumption of the native drug.
I am,
• Sir J. Jordan (No. 257, Telegraphic), December 13, 1912.
W. LANGLEY.
[2736 -2]