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The opium so supplied by Hong Kong
would accordingly have been entirely
thrown away in so far as any lasting
benefit to Macao is concerned; and the
Colonial Office would be very unwilling
to agree to the depletion of Hong Kong's
stocks in such a hopeless cause.
Incidentally it will be seen that
the Governor does not now suggest that
he should let Macao have any more Indian
opium from his stocks except on the
basis of renewed supplies from India.
The fact that he renews his
suggestion that the Government of India
should be urged to reconsider its
decision not to supply any more opium
to Macao in spite of his having been
told in both our recent telegrams that
there is no prospect of their doing so
-
seems to show how seriously he fears the
collapse of the Macao Government.
I personally do not attach much
importance to the point (which the
Governor labours) as to the effect
which