CO129-349 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [10-12] — Page 232

1390-A. & E. W.-20024/26-6,000-11-09.

Paraphrase Telegram

228

The Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State

for the Colonies

(Received, Colonial Office, 4 p.m.14th December 1908)

In reply to your private telegram of December 12th. Farmer anticipates withdrawals present

The utmost I can year will amount to 1031 chests.

Känd persuade him is limit of 1,000 during second year of contract, with option of 200 extra for export to countries other than China the Government to be satis fied that such drawing is bona fide.

Although he is advised that he would have legal claim if divans were restricted, he consents to close 26, leaving 165 only on expiration of present

licences.

In view of promise in your telegram the Colony will undertake any necessary compensation in respect of divans.

I make out comparatively:-

Shanghai - 1437 divans = 1 per 177 adult males.

K If 700 closed

1 per 346

#

Hong Kong- 1 per 1047

if 26 closed)

1 per 1212

divans

Hosie informs me that the Shanghai,are

large, and that many are brothels.

Conditions here are absolutely dissimilar.

Smuggling into Hong Kong of prepared opium from

There have

China spite of recent pledge continues. been 73 seizures in 82 days. Please instruct me when I may inform Legislative Council of the proposals affecting revenue.

LUCARD