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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
RECO
27449
REGO 28 JUL 14
128
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[June 25.]
SECTION 1.
:
[27496]
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Netherlands Minister.
HIS Majesty's Government have had under consideration the memorandum communicated by the Netherlands Minister on the 20th October last, in which it was suggested that a convention should be concluded between the Powers interested in the production and distribution of opium in Southern and Fastern Asia to limit the traffic exclusively to the Governments of the countries concerned.
His Majesty's Government would prefer to await the result of the coming into force of the Opium Convention before deciding upon the need for a convention of the nature suggested. The Government of India have given proofs of their readiness to assist Governments possessing opium monopolies in preventing the smuggling of opium into their territories, and they consider that this object has already to a substantial extent been secured. If further assistance is required they are able and willing to help, as the departure of opium from their ports is under strict regulation. Further arrangements can, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, most suitably be made with the Governments concerned in accordance with article 3 (b) of the International Opium Convention.
Foreign Office, June 25, 1914.
[2183 66-1]