[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
0
CONFIDENTIAL.
[128]
No. 1.
[January 1, 1913.]
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 1.)
(No. 1.) (Telegraphic.) R.
OPIUM.
Peking, January 1, 1913.
Telegrams of the Government of India to the Secretary of State for India of 30th December.
Stoppage of sales is absolutely necessary and should be accompanied by a strict limitation of export to non-China using countries. Unfortunately measure has come too late, and we scarcely avoid the appearance of yielding to force what we might have made a graceful concession in June last.
There is, I fear, very little prospect of possible market for 29,000 chests now in China, and their disposal becomes a serious question. Eleven foreign bankers at Shanghai have sent renewed protest.
Shanghai magistrate is going round with an armed guard sealing up all the opium- shops outside the settlement, and armed police are posted at the doors of the wholesale dealers with orders to arrest anyone attempting to do business with them. Similar situation obtains in Yang-tsze provinces.
(Sent to India.)
[2766 a-1]
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