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three months' special leave for this purpose. Dr. Wenham's share in the mission, however, will consist chiefly in acting the part of guide, philsopher and friend to one who has never before been on English soil, and might otherwise find it difficult to prosecute his plans successfully. Several members of Parliament are already actively interested in the opium question, and General Chang is assured of their support and co-operation when he reaches London. Christian leaders of all denominations have also taken a strong stand in the matter, and they may be relied upon to do all in their power to ensure General Chang a sympathetic bearing and to make his mission a success. Aud General Chang himself, who is perhaps the best delegate who could have been selected for the purpose, will be in the happy position of one who is thrice armed because his “quarrel" is just.
There is an absolute consensus of opinion among all enlightened Chinese as to the necessity of obtaining an absolutely free hand to deal with the opium question. If the anti-opium campaign is to be carried to a successful issue, China must be under no further obligation to import opium from any foreign country. The well-being of a great nation, bravely fighting a vice of the most insidious character, must be placed above the welfare of a handful of speculating opium merchants who have persisted in a trade which is under the moral condemnation of the entire civilised world. China must be free, not only from any obligation to import opium in the future her hands must not be tied by a mon poly, or any other device for unloading the present stocks of Indian opium in the treaty ports and Hong Kong General Chang, in accepting the mission of explaining his countrymen's views is also accepting a very heavy responsibility, and one in which he deserves such support as the Chinese Government can legitimately afford him. In one direction, at least, he should be able to rely upon the co-operation of the Government. So far as we are aware, the Wai-chino Pu bas not as yet presented a formal request to the British Government for final release from the opium treaties. A polite request in this sense should, it seems to us, be presented at the earliest opportunity. Otherwise there is the danger that much of General Chang's work may be undone by a statement from the British Foreign Office that no official request for the abrogation of the opium treaties has yet been received. According to the Chinese press, the National Opium Prohibition Union has already petitioned the Wai-chiao Pu to take this step. We cannot too strongly endorse this recommendation, the fulfilment of which would offend no one, while it would effectually dispose of the suggestion that the Chinese Government was not anxious to be relieved of the obligations imposed under the existing opium treaties.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
[May 9.]
SECTION 2.
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[21461]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey. (Received May 9.)
(No. 113.) (Telegraphic.) R. OPIUM.
Peking, May 9, 1913.
In a memorandum dated 7th May, Wai-wu Pu quoted article 9 of agreement of 1911, and says that, owing to change in conditions affecting suppression in China, great part of agreement has ceased to apply, and it becomes necessary to raise question of revision in order to satisfy public opinion. They accordingly request me to move His Majesty's Government to consent to revision, and beg early reply.
No reference is made to stocks in China, but preamble of memorandum suggests that total prohibition is desired.
I am forwarding copy by post with my comments.
[2926 -2]
דווי
וניי .
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