689
214
between the Persian and Straits Settlements Governments regarding the purchase of opium, and to inform you that I will report in due course the result of the proposed negotiations in Singapore with the representative of the Persian Monopoly.
2. As regards the last sentence of your paragraph 4, the Superintendent, Govern- ment Monopolies, reports that the experimental consignment of Turkish opium imported this year was not satisfactory as it was more difficult to cook and handle than Persian opium, and yielded only 58.6 per cent. of chandu whereas Persian opium yields 75 per cent. Moveover the chandu obtained from this Turkish consignment contained 16 per cent. of morphine, which is much in excess of local requirements.
3. I am of opinion, therefore, that so long as the Persian market remains favourable it would be undesirable to obtain further supplies from Turkey.
I have, &c.,
JOHN SCOTT, Officer Administering the Government.
215
2. A comparison of this statement with that forwarded with Sir Hugh Clifford's Confidntial despatch of the 31st July, 1929,* shows that the actual balance of the stocks held on the 31st December, 1929, exceeded the estimate by 129 chests. In addition to this it is now unnecessary to make provision for the 150 chests which were included in the previous statement for Sarawak requirements.
3. It would therefore appear that adequate supplies of opium are assured for approximately the next three years and, in view of this and of the letter from His Majesty's Representative, Teheran, dated the 22nd November, 1929, and addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a copy of which is attached, I consider that it is unnecessary for this Government to call for tenders for further supplies from the Persian market for the time being.
I have, &c.,
JOHN SCOTT,
Officer Administering the Government.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :--
TEPLIC.O.882/11
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON!
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
C. 73017/30 [No. 4].
No. 193.
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.
(Sent 11.30 a.m., 12th February, 1930.) TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 195.]
Supply of
TEHERAN despatch of 22nd November, No. 575-Confidential.' Persian opium. Bellairs Atkinson state that by drawing on profits arising from illicit trade Behbehani-Kazeroni group have been able to cut prices for licit supplies below cost of production and have consequently succeeded in placing themselves in a position to persuade Persian Government that they already have virtual monopoly of licit export trade.
Bellairs Atkinson accordingly fear that, unless prompt counter-action is taken, group mentioned will be able to manoeuvre the grant to them of actual monopoly of export when Majlis meets, in which case they would be able to demand exorbitant prices. Bellairs Atkinson have accordingly revived proposal that they should be definitely appointed sole buying agents (in conjunction with Zieglers). They suggest that this arrangement would be effective counter to monopolist claim of group men- tioned. They suggest following terms: Cost price plus fixed rate (to be agreed by your Government) to cover cost of manufacture and transport and profits of themselves and Zieglers. Payment after delivery and test in Singapore. All accounts of purchases and expenses to be open to inspection.
Please telegraph your observations in the light of local discussions which I presume have now taken place with the representative of the Persian Monopoly.— PASSFIELD.
C. 73017/80 [No. 9].
No. 194.
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT to THE SECRETARY OF
(Confidential.)
STATE.
(Received 24th February, 1930.)
MY LORD,
Government House, Singapore, 27th January, 1930. WITH reference to Your Lordship's Confidential telegram of the 19th October, 1929,† I have the honour to forward a revised statement which has been prepared by the Superintendent, Government Monopolies, regarding the opium stocks in hand and future requirements.
* C. 73023/30 [No. 2]: not printed.
† No. 190.
Enclosure 1 in No. 194.
OPIUM STOCKS.
Indian
Chests.
Balance on 31st December, 1929
Old Persian New Persian
Chests.
Chests.
1,083
495
1,860
To come in 1930
1,520
750
2,603
4951
2,610
Use in 1930
1,602
315
825
Balance on 31st December, 1930
1,001
1801
1,785
To come in 1931
1,267
1,013
3,281
180
1,785
To come in 1932
This allows for production of about 3,173,080 tahils in 1930. The balance left on 31st December, 1930, should produce about 3,560,890 tahils. Our visible supplies to end of 1932 will therefore produce about 9,110,170 tahils, or an average of 3,036,723 tahils a year during the three years 1930, 1931, and 1932. If we got another 300 chests of Persian this year, this annual average would be raised to 3,162,723 tahils. Actual consumption in 1928 was 3,154,185 tahils and in 1929 it was 3,009,733 tahils, giving a mean for the two years of 3,081,959 tahils.
Singapore,
10th January, 1930.
(Confidential.)
G. GORDON WILSON, Superintendent, Government Monopolies, Straits Settlements.
Enclosure 2 in No. 194.
British Legation, Teheran, 22nd November, 1929.
His Majesty's Representative presents his compliments to the Governor of
the Straits Settlements and has the honour to transmit herewith, copy of a despatch
to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the subject of Persian opium.
(Confidential.) (No. 575.)
SIR,
British Legation,
Teheran, 22nd November, 1929.
WITH reference to your Confidential despatch No. 522, dated 30th October last, I fear that I am hardly in a position to supply you with anything in the nature of an accurate report on the present position and prospects of the Persian Government Opium Monopoly. I have the honour, however, to invite your attention to my
* No. 186.
"
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