202
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governme
0 43659
C.C.)
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
11299
Aug
-DEG 07
SECTION 6.
REC
IRE.. 30 MAR 08
(26900]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 12.)
(No. 310.)
Peking, June 26, 1907. Sir,
IN continuation of my despatch No. 259 of the 29th ultimo, I have the honour to forward to you herewith a further Memorandum, which has been drawn up by Mr. Garnett from various reports which I have received from His Majesty's Consuls 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 take this opportunity of sending at the same time a further Memorandum by Mr. G. W. Pearson, Second Assistant at His Majesty's Consulate-General at Shanghae, on the subject of measures taken by the authorities of Kiangsu for the suppression of opium smoking. In forwarding it to me Sir Pelham Warren expressed the opinion that it was an accurate summary of the present situation in that district.
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Memorandum.
THE date is now within measurable distance when the possibility of carrying out in Shanghae the terms of the Anti-opium Edict may be gauged with some accuracy. On the 22nd June the closure is ordained of every opium den falling within Chinese jurisdiction. The closure of opium dens is the first measure of a series in the movement, and, being the first, its success will be significant, as it will be to a large extent evidence of the power of the officials vis-à-vis the rich commoners who derive their wealth from this notorious traffic, and whose combination is so powerful as to be a serious consideration.
The opium dealers in Shanghae are practically divided into two guilds--the Ch'ao-chou and Cantonese. The former is notorious for disregard of official authority, and the Cantonese are known to despise the milder government of the central provinces, and are a powerful and influential body. It would seem, however, that in Jui Taotai those who are not prepared to fall into line have met a determined official whose intention is to carry through his mandates in spite of all opposition. As, however, the critical moment approaches there are signs of weakening on the part of his lieutenant, the Shanghae District Magistrate. The Taotai anticipates resistance to the closure, and proposes to establish a system of patrols made up of the city police (about 300), Chinese volunteers, and local troops. The last, he states, though not dangerous, cannot be relied upon for very effective service.
He has issued orders that any person guilty of creating a disturbance on the date of the closure of the dens may be shot down, whether he be interested in the profession suffering by the measure, or whether a rowdy making the most of his opportunity, the latter being the more probable target. In a recent conversation he stated that, although arrangements had been made to satisfy the discontent of those connected with the opium-smoking establishments, there was a possibility of trouble from loafers, and precautions would require to be taken in the Settlements. For the rest, in spite of the petitions, demonstrations, and threats of trouble, he seems determined to yield no ground: "The day for closure must come, it had better come now than later."
The gentry and literati have been given a sense of responsibility, and put upon their mettle to see that no disturbance occurs, and that the closure of dens is carried out. Various Societies and Guilds have been told off to maintain order and enforce the closure in districts allotted to them, thus securing their powerful co-operation by a judicious enlistment, and a reliance on their loyalty.
In a word, whatever the original motive of the movement, which the Chinese press declares to be very questionable, and which, indeed, can hardly be above suspicion to
[2623 m- -6]
202
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governme
0 43659
C.C.)
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
11299
Aug
-DEG 07
SECTION 6.
REC
IRE.. 30 MAR 08
(26900]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 12.)
(No. 310.)
Peking, June 26, 1907. Sir,
IN continuation of my despatch No. 259 of the 29th ultimo, I have the honour to forward to you herewith a further Memorandum, which has been drawn up by Mr. Garnett from various reports which I have received from His Majesty's Consuls 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 take this opportunity of sending at the same time a further Memorandum by Mr. G. W. Pearson, Second Assistant at His Majesty's Consulate-General at Shanghae, on the subject of measures taken by the authorities of Kiangsu for the suppression of opium smoking. In forwarding it to me Sir Pelham Warren expressed the opinion that it was an accurate summary of the present situation in that district.
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Memorandum.
THE date is now within measurable distance when the possibility of carrying out in Shangbae the terms of the Anti-opium Edict may be gauged with some accuracy. On the 22nd June the elosure is ordained of every opium den falling within Chinese jurisdiction. The closure of opium dens is the first measure of a series in the movement, and, being the first, its success will be significant, as it will be to a large extent evidence of the power of the officials vis-à-vis the rich commoners who derive their wealth from this notorious traffic, and whose combination is so powerful as to be a serious consideration.
The opium dealers in Shanghae are practically divided into two guilds--the Ch'ao- chou and Cantonese. The former is notorious for disregard of official authority, and the Cantonese are known to despise the milder government of the central provinces, and are a powerful and influential body. It would seem, however, that in Jui Taotai those who are not prepared to fall into line have met a determined offcial whose intention is As, however, the critical to carry through his mandates in spite of all opposition. moment approaches there are signs of weakening on the part of his lieutenant, the Shanghae District Magistrate. The Taolai anticipates resistance to the closure, and proposes to establish a system of patrols made up of the city police (about 300), Chinese volunteers, and local troops. The last, he states, though not dangerous, cannot be relied
effective service. for very
He has issued orders that any person guilty of upon creating a disturbance on the date of the closure of the dens may be shot down, whether he be interested in the profession suffering by the measure, or whether a rowdy making the most of his opportunity, the latter being the more probable target. In a recent conversation he stated that, although arrangements had been made to satisfy the discontent of those connected with the opium-smoking establishments, there was a possibility of trouble from loafers, and precautions would require to be taken in the Settlements. For the rest, in spite of the petitions, demonstrations, and threats of trouble, he seems determined to yield no ground: "The day for closure must come, it had better come now than later."
The gentry and literati have been given a sense of responsibility, and put upon their mettle to see that no disturbance occurs, and that the closure of dens is carried out. Various Societies and Guilds have been told off to maintain order and enforce the closure in districts allotted to them, thus being secured their powerful co-operation by a Battering enlistment, and a judicious reliance on their loyalty.
In a word, whatever the original motive of the movement, which the Chinese press declares to be very questionable, and which, indeed, can hardly be above suspicion to
[2623 m- -6]
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