CO885-(11-12) — Page 293

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Suggestion (2). Scientific Research on the opium smoking problem. accepted subject to the exigencies of financial considerations. It is presumed that the scope of the inquiries will be detailed and the results of local investigations collated and published by the League of Nations.

Suggestion (3). Limitation and control of poppy cultivation by international action. It is presumed that this suggestion relates only to cultivation in Burma, and not to cultivation in India. On this understanding, the Government of India endorses the views of the Government of Burma, which are as follows:-

The poppy is cultivated only in the Shan States, where the policy of restric- tion is being followed with satisfactory results. The Government of Burma has no objection to a conference being called to investigate the limitation and control of poppy cultivation but is unable at present to indicate definitely the views which any representative of this province will put forward at such a conference. These views will have to be formulated with reference to other questions-namely, the separation of Burma from India and the arrangements for the supply of opium in Burma after separation.

Suggestion (4). Measures to combat the demand for opium for smoking purposes. The Government of Burma agrees that the ultimate suppression of opium consumption should be the goal of its policy, but it is of opinion that for many years it will be impracticable to limit the supply of opium to purely medical and scientific purposes. It is not proposed at present to depart from the existing opium policy.

As for propaganda, the Government of Burma adheres to its former opinion that propaganda in schools is more likely to be harmful than beneficial, and that such propaganda and education, as is suggested, will not touch the bulk of the consumers who are labourers, fishermen, forest workers, and such like. The Local Government is therefore not in favour of incurring expenditure in this direction and would suggest the retention of the exception contained in the latter part of Article VII of the Geneva Opium Agreement.

Suggestion (5). Measures to prevent illicit traffic. The suggestions made under' this head are generally accepted, provided that due regard is given to the financial aspect. At present illicit traffic in Ports is controlled by the Customs Department. For inland work the Local Government maintains a large preventive staff in the Excise Department. It also maintains an Excise (Intelligence) Bureau and a Flying Squad. and reasonably sufficient funds are allotted for preventive work.

Offences relating to illicit traffic are already punishable under the law by both fine and imprisonment. Legislation will be necessary to make an attempt to induce a minor to smoke opium punishable with a heavy penalty. Such legislation would have to be considered by the Provincial Legislature,

Suggestion (6). Measures to identify Government-prepared opium. The manu- facture of prepared opium for sale is prohibited throughout British India, including Burma, by the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1930.

Suggestion (7). Control of International Trade. The laws in force in British India, including Burma, are strictly in accordance with international obligations.

Suggestion (8). Reduction of Retail Prices on Government opium. There is no amuggling of Government opium from Burma to any of the territories adjoining in the Far East. Prices of Government opium in Burma are comparatively low and generally below the prices of smuggled opium. Where the price of smuggled opium is extremely low, as on the borders of China, the Government of Burma has already reduced its price, as for example in the Bhamo district.

Suggestion (9). Complete opium monopoly for retail tribution. In Burma, licences for retail sale of opium are granted to selected persons. The daily allowances of consumers are fixed by the Resident Excise Officers, who are required to know the purchasers at the shops. The sales are also conducted under the close supervision of the Resident Excise Officers, whose work is supervised by higher officials There is, therefore, no essential difference between the present system in Burma and that recommended by the Commission, and the question of the abolition of licences and substitution of direct sale by Government Agency is under consideration. question of opium smoking establishments is dealt with in Item No. 13 below.

The

Suggestion (10). Retailing of opium for cash only. The Government of Burma accepts the suggestion.. This is already the practice which is enforced in

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Burma though there is no specific rule. The Local Government will consider the introduction of a rule or direction prohibiting sale except for cash. Under the existing rules opium shop licensees are not entitled to receive any wearing apparel or goods in barter for opium.

Suggestion (11). Measures to control individual consumption. The present system of registration and rationing in force in Burma does not differ materially from that recommended by the Commission. At present medical certificates are required only in the case of registration of Burmans in certain districts of Lower Burma where opium is supplied for medicinal purposes. No medical certificate is required in the case of registration of non-Burmans in Burma and the Government of Burma is of opinion that there are certainly not sufficient qualified doctors in Burma to justify a medical certificate being normally required as is suggested.

The register of smokers was closed to new entrants in pursuance of the inter- national undertaking for the gradual and effective suppression of opium smoking. With the disappearance of the present registered smokers, by casualties or otherwise, opium smoking will be illegal in Burma. The register of Burman consumers was closed in 1903. The Government of Burma does not propose to depart from its present policy though the question of the continuance or extension of the Myaungmya experi- ment is under consideration.

Suggestion (12) Prohibition for minors to smoke opium. The Government of Burma accepts the suggestion contained under this head. At present the minimum age limit for Burmans who can possess opium is 25 years; in the case of non-Burmans it is 21 years.

Suggestion (13) Smoking Establishment. As stated above, the register of opium smokers was closed to new entrants in 1924. There is, however, a consider- able number of registered opium smokers in Burma, and opium dens exist in the important towns and centres. The Government of Burma has had under consideration for some time past the question of licensing opium smoking aloons or dens.. A decision has not yet been arrived at but the Government of Burma is not in favour of Government-owned smoking establishments, as such establishments will be repugnant to public opinion. The suggestion of the Commission for merging the existing retail shops into smoking establishments is impracticable, as the smokers are scattered all over the Province and in most cases live at great distances from the shops. They cannot, therefore, be expected to visit the shops every time they wish to smoke.

The Government of Burma will consider the ininor points raised in connexion with these saloons or dens when rules are framed to permit of licensed dens if this policy is decided upon. In particular, it will consider how provision can be made for the recovery of dross, though it is recognized that it will be a matter of extreme difficulty to recover all the dross.

Suggestion (14). Control and disinfection of opium pipes. The Government of Burma considers that the control and disinfection of opium pipes is a matter of detail which each country can settle for itself without any provision by international

agreement.

Suggestion (15). Control of Dross. As stated under Item 13 above, the Govern- ment of Burma will consider the question of the recovery of dross, but any provision in an international agreement on this point should be worded “that Governments will endeavour to recover and destroy all dross."

The

Suggestion (16). Cure of Opium Smokers. Addicts who happen to be sentenced to imprisonment are frequently cured, but they almost invariably relapse. Government of Burma is inclined to doubt whether much useful work can be done în this direction and is inclined to think that hospital treatment will probably meet with disappointing results. It will not, however, overlook the need for hospital treatment when opportunity offers. The experience and results of hospital treatment should be collated and published by the League of Nations. In general, however, a cure is so difficult that it is preferable to concentrate on preventing new addicts being recruited to the habit.

Suggestion (17). Opium Revenue. Although under Item 4 above the Govern- ment-of Burma has agreed to the suppression of opium consumption as the ultimate goal, yet it cannot agree to a definite limit of time without which its opium revenue should disappear. The question largely depends on the demand for opium and the success of the measures adopted for preventing the recruitment of new addicts. Unless illicit opium can be effectively prohibited, the cessation of the sale by Government of opium would merely result in an increased profit by smugglers, and it is much too early to say when measures for suppressing the illicit traffic will be successful.

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