F— III
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL
[53384]
No. 1.
[December 13.]
SECTION 3.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J Jordan.
Foreign Ofice, December 13, 1912.
(No. 201.) (Telegraphic.) Code.
OPIUM. "China Press" of 14th November states that British firm, Edward Ezra, and also a Russian firm have opened branch retail business at Hangchow, and intend opening further branches in Ningpo and Wenchow in view of refusal of local authorities to allow native dealers to do legitimate business.
It is reported that Chinese Government have protested to you, and that, in reply, you upheld merchants' action.
Please report facts in view of impending Parliamentary question.
[2736 n-3]
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