31
H. M. Government at once informed the chinese
Government of the facts of the case stating that having regard
to the circumstances in which the opium came under their control
and to the request for its return by the Canton Authorities it
was proposed to return the opium, but H.M. Government wished
first to be assured that the chinese Government had no objection.
The Chinese Government signified that they had no objection to
the return of the opium, and the opium was accordingly handed
over on 16th May to a representative of the Canton Municipality.