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CONFIDENTIAL.
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REG 1 N 141
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British Opium Delegates to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received June 17, 3:15 P.M.)
The Hague, June 17, 1914. (No. 1.) R.
(June 17, 12 noon.) AT yesterday's meeting German delegate stated that his Government were unable to ratify convention at present in view of failure of certain Powers to sign, mentioning Austria-Hungary, Sweden, and Turkey.
French delegate was unable to make any definite statement as to the intentions of his Government with regard to ratification, but declared that French Government were still unable to sign on behalf of Cochin-China and French possessions in India. His general attitude appears to be hostile to the principle of convention, and in marked Contrast to the attitude of the two French delegates at the first convention, who, according to their instructions, acted in complete harmony with us throughout (see paragraph 161 of delegates Confidential Report, "Opium " Print of 18th April, 1912, Section 2).
It might facilitate matters if, in absence of two French delegates who negotiated convention, present French delegate was instructed to act with us as far as possible. Also a declaration on behalf of the French Government of their intention to sign on behalf of their outstanding colonies and to ratify at an early date might have good effect. Could you approach French Government in this sense at once?
[600-297]