[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government 1
CHINA TRADE,
CONFIDENTIAL.
39508 [October 5.]
434
RES 9 NOV 07
SECTION 6.
[33101]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 5.)
(No. 393.) Sir,
Peking, August 20, 1907. IN continuation of my despatch No. 362 of the 25th ultimo, I have the honour to forward to you herewith a further Memorandum, which has been drawn up for me by Mr. Garnett from various reports which I have received from His Majesty's Consuls and missionaries since that date, on the progress of the measures which are being taken in the provinces for the enforcement of the Imperial Regulations against the use of opium.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Opium Summary.
Amoy.
HIS Majesty's Consul reports that when the Taotai learnt that it was proposed to dispatch officials from Foochow to inquire why he (the Amoy Taotai) had taken no steps to suppress the use of opium in the district, he hastily issued a Proclamation, dated the 10th July, in which he ordered all opium dens to be closed by the 19th July. This order is said to have been strictly enforced and obeyed. Opium can still, of course, be bought at retail shops, but may not be consumed in public places.
Changsha,
His Majesty's Consul reported on the 27th July that the local officials are credited with determination to carry out their Regulations for the suppression of the opium dens. The "Changsha Gazette" reports that many of the latter are already taking steps to convert their premises into shops, tea-houses, &c., and that some have been closed. Two official dispensaries have been opened in Changsha for the cure of the opium habit. These are conducted under official Regulations, which have received the approval of the Governor and the Viceroy. During the first month the total number of applicants registered amounted to 154, all belonging to the poorest class of the population. No instance of inquisitorial or punitive measures has yet been reported. The authorities, however, seem to be sincerely in sympathy with the anti-opinm movement, and the Judge, who is also Chief of Police, is known to be a warm supporter of it. None of the local officials are opium-smokers, and expectant officials are aware that no employment will be found for any who are not beyond suspicion in this respect.
Chengtu
The Acting Viceroy has issued a Proclamation ordering the closing of all opium divans by the 8th August, after which date the preparation and sale of opium will be a Government monopoly.
The Regulations attached to the Proclamation appear to refer to the city of Chengtu only, but a similar procedure will probably be adopted throughout Szechuan.
Under these new Regulations all opium-smokers must take out a licence at a police station, on which will appear the amount of their daily consumption of opium. This amonut is to be reduced annually by one-tenth, so that in ten years' time their allowance
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