210
the Netherlands East Indies on the subject of co-operation with the Netherlands East Indian authorities regarding the purchase of Persian opium.
2. It will be seen that arrangements have been made for the interchange of information between the appropriate departments of each administration, but that there does not at present appear to be any advantage in joint purchases on behalf of both Governments. Should that course become desirable later on, I will consider the advisability of consulting the Governments of Sarawak, British North Borneo, and Hong Kong as suggested.
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4. It was also decided that the question should be reconsidered if difficulties arise in the future. I will address Your Excellency further in the event of such a course appearing to the Straits Settlements Government to be advisable.
His Excellency
I have, &c.,
HUGH CLIFFORD,
Malayan Civil Service,
Governor.
The Governor-General of the
Netherlands East Indies,
I have, &c.,
HUGH CLIFFORD,
Malayan Civil Service,
Governor.
(Secret.)
SIR,
Buitenzorg.
Batavia, 15th August, 1929.
637
(Secret.)
Enclosure in No. 188.
SIR,
Batavia. 24th May, 1929. By letter of 1st May, with regard to an arrangement for a meeting between officers of the relevant departments of the Straits Settlements and the Netherlands East Indies to deal with matters concerning the purchase of opium supplied from Persia, the Governor-General informed Your Excellency that the Chief Inspector, Head of the Opium Monopoly, Weltevreden, would probably be absent until 22nd June next. Having now been informed that a prolonged furlough has been granted to the foresaid officer I propose that the discussions be held by Mr. A. M. Wessels, acting Chief Inspector, temporarily Head of the Opium Monopoly, and the Director of the Opium Factory.
If Your Excellency agrees with this proposal, I would suggest that the Super- intendent, Government Monopolies, Singapore, arranges a meeting at the earliest convenable date direct with Mr. Wessels.
་
His Excellency
The Governor of the
Straits Settlements,
Government House, Singapore.
I avail, &c.,
(Sgd)
?
Vice-President of the Council of the Netherlands Indies, charged with the executive power of the Governor-General.
By letter Secret of 30th July Your Excellency informed me of the results of the meeting held early last month by the respective Officers of the Governments of the Straits Settlements and the Netherlands East Indies on the subject of joint pur- chases of opium in Persia.
While I am glad to concur in the conclusions attained, as set forth in your letter, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I heartily agree with your suggestion that the relevant departments of each Government should inform each other when a purchase is made, mentioning the name of the supplier, and the price and quality of the opium received. Confidential information of the same kind should be given about the quantities of raw opium wanted and stocks, and concerning the manufac- ture and packing of chandu.
In the event of difficulties arising in the future which might render it advisable to reconsider the question the Netherlands Indies Government will not fail to pay attention to the desirability of further mutual understanding.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for the courtesy shown to Mr. Wessels and Mr. Burck by the officers of the Government Monopolies and Preven- tive service during their stay at Singapore.
His Excellency
The Governor of the
Straits Settlements,
Government House, Singapore.
I have, &c.,
A. C. DE GRAEFF, Governor-General of the Netherlands Indies.
SIR,
(Secret.)
Government House, Singapore, 30th July, 1929.
your
WITH reference to your letter Secret of the 24th May, 1929, on the subject of the interchange of information between the Governments of the Netherlands East Indies and the Straits Settlements with regard to the purchase of opium in Persia, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that Mr. Wessels and Mr. Burck of Government visited Singapore early this month and discussed the matter with Mr. G. G. Wilson, the Superintendent, Government Monopolies, Straits Settlements, and Dr. Cowap, the Government Analyst.
2. It was agreed that nothing would be gained at present by joint purchases on. behalf of both Governments, as neither experiences any difficulty in obtaining opium of good quality and at favourable prices.
3. It was, however, decided that it would be an advantage if each Government informed the other when a purchase was made, mentioning the name of the supplier, and the price and quality of the opium received. Unless Your Excellency sees any objection, I suggest that the relevant departments of each Government should com- municate this information to each other direct.
(Secret.)
Government House, Singapore, 30th August, 1929.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of Your Excellency's letter Secret of the 15th August, 1929, on the subject of the interchange of informa tion between the Governments of the Netherlands East Indies and the Straits Settle- ments with regard to the purchase of opium from Persia, and to say that the Super- intendent, Government Monopolies, Straits Settlements, is being instructed to com- municate to the relevant department of your Government information concerning the Straits Settlements stocks and requirements of raw opium and the processes adopted here for manufacturing and packing chandu.
I have, &c.,
His Excellency
The Governor-General of the
Netherlands East Indies,
Buitenzorg.
HUGH CLIFFORD,
Malayan Civil Service,
Governor.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O.882/11
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON