opy.
155/472/101
.R.T. 1315/22.
Hercantile Marine Department,
Board of Trade,
2, Sanctuary Buildings,
Great Suith Street,
Westminster. S.W.1.
11th April, 1922.
242
With reference to your note of 16th March (F 472/472/10)
respecting statements made by the Major and another citizen of
Portland Oregan and puting to this country assistance in the
distribution of opius, I am directed by the Board of Trade to
state for the information of the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston
that they concur in the suggestion that the Home Office in con-
sultation with the India Office should draw up a statement showing
how His Majesty's Government and the Government of India have
played a leading part in the suppression of opium traffic through-
out the world.
With reference to the statement in the letter of 13th
January from the Consul at Portland Oregan to Sir Auckland Geddes
that he has received no information as to any action tuken by the
Board of Trade in connection with reports of the smuggling of
opium and other drugs from vessels of the Blue Funnel Line, I am
to trane alt herewith a copy of a letter from lesers. Alfred Holt
and Company showing the action which they take to prevent the
smuggling of opium. A copy of this letter and enclosure were
forwarded to the Consul at Portland Oregan on the 3rd February.
I am to request that the enclosure to Messrs. Alfred Holt
and Company's letter which is forwarded in original may be
returned.
e Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office,
S.W.1.
I have, etc.
(Signed)
G.E. Baker.