ن کا
2. Vogel mio al sosmINOJŲ
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[12110]
(No. 47.) (Telegraphic.) P.
THE opium question.
13187
[March 17.]
HOR
SECTION 2.
11 APR 14
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
Foreign Office, March 17, 1914.
His Majesty's Government entirely share your view as regards the necessity for putting an end to the opium trade, but they have decided to reserve for further consideration the question of compensating the merchants, and would be glad to receive by despatch your views on the points raised below.
We are of opinion that no compensation can in any case be claimed in respect of I should opium excluded from the provinces declared clean and therefore closed. therefore be glad to hear how soon the closing of the five provinces, anticipated by you, is likely to take place.
Only two provinces will then remain which have been in the babit of importing foreign opium. Are those provinces likely in the near future to establish a claim to be closed?
His Majesty's Government cannot accept as an equitable basis for compensation purchase of whole outstanding stocks at the inflated price at which they now stand owing to merchant's speculations. Indeed, the question has been raised whether His Majesty's Cloverument, by altering their agreement with China, would in fact incur any obligation to the merchants.
[2082 r-2]
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