[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[36398]
No. 1.
[August 19.]
SECTION 1.
Sir,
Foreign Office to India Office.
Foreign Office, August 19, 1913. I AM directed by Secretary Sir Edward Grey to transmit herewith, to be laid before the Marquess of Crewe, a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Peking, enclosing copy of a communication from the Chinese Government requesting the cancellation of the Opium Agreement of 1911 and the cessation of import, together with transport back to India of the opium stocks held at Shanghai.*
Lord Crewe will observe that the Chinese Government use the word "cancellation " instead of "revision," which they originally used in their proposals in regard to the 1911 agreement.
Sir E. Grey considers, however, that the reply of His Majesty's Government regarding the revision of the agreement will form a sufficient answer to the Chinese Government, in spite of the variation in the request.
I am, &c.
W. LANGLEY.
• Mr. Alston, No. 297, July 22, 1913.
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