Y.
EXY .CT.
Geneva,
Dear Sir Malcolm,
30th January, 1927.
69
I have now received a reply to the effect that your
information is quite correct and that the Ministry of Finance,
finding its supply of Indian Opium diminishing felt compelled
to purchase at once the abovementioned amount in order to
supplement our supply by mixture with Indian Opium. They
further informed me that enquiries were made in Singapore
concerning M.A. Nemazee before the contract was entered into
and disclosed that the only connection which this person
had with N.M. N. Nemazee of Hong Kong in the past was that
he acted as Singapore Agent for the latter's steamers in the
ordinary course or business; that he was well spoken of by an
official and responsible business man in Singapore.
His Majesty's Government quite concurs with your
views that it is undesirable to have dealing with anyone
who is known to be engaged in smuggling. When this contract
was made the Government had no such knowledge concerning
M.A. Nemazee of Singapore. His Majesty's Government is at
present in informal communication with the Persian
Government authorities for the direct supply of Persian
Opium but if no such arrangements can be found possible,
it will gladly take advantage of your kind offer to enlist
the good offices of the British authorities.
As regards M.A. Nemazee's connection with N.M.N
Nemazee of Hong Kong and his illegal transaction in Indo-
China or any other matters which proves him to be connected
with illegal traffic in opium or Drugs, the Siamese
Government will be very glad to receive official
communication concerning him from the Imperial Government.
Yours sincerely, CHAROON.