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contrary to British Trade interests and a stultification
of the Indian Government's efforts to reduce outside
consumption by rationing its export of the drug.
3. Whether the reduction of opium revenue is in
accordance with a stated policy, and, if so, in what
year such revenue will, in accordance with present
arrangements cease?
4. Whether there is any justification for any
suggestion that the Chinese Government, either Central
or through its Provincial Authorities, is profiting
unfairly vis-a-vis the Hongkong Government?
I am further instructed by my Board to respectfully ask
whether the provision in the Opium Amendment of 1913 (paragraph 16,1) permitting passengers leaving Hongkong
for any country to possess five mace of opium for every
day of their proposed voyage, is still in force, and, if
so, in view of the small gain to the finances of the
Colony through this practice, also to its character,
contrary to the terms of the Dangerous Drug Act,
whether Your Excellency will facilitate ateps whereby
this provision may be struck out.
I have the honour o...
(Sgd.) ARTHUR SOW_REY.
General Secretary.