CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 277

C.O 27291

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

2

The action of the provincial authorities justifies the belief that their ulterior aim is to drive the native dealers out of the trade, thus establishing for themselves the much coveted monopoly which they have been endeavouring to create by various devices during the past two years.

May we beg that His Majesty's Government will instruct His Majesty's Minister in Peking to bring such pressure to bear on the Chinese Government as will free a legitimate trade from restrictions during the period that trade is allowed by treaty to exist,

We have, &c.

(

CHINA TRADE.

CONFIDENTIAL.

ED. SASSOON AND CO

[27485]

No. 1.

Race 14 AUG C

275

[July 26.]

SECTION 1.

Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.

(No. 220.)

Foreign Office, July 26, 1909. Sir,

WITH reference to your despatch No. 228 of the 24th ultimo, I transmit to you herewith copy of a letter from Messrs. D. E. Sassoon* protesting against the action of the Bureau of Opium Suppression at Soochow in issuing certain new regulations which, in their opinion, would have the effect of restricting legitimate trade, and which would tend to constitute a monopoly in favour of the Chinese provincial authorities. A copy of my reply is also enclosed.†

I should be glad to be furnished with your views on the matter.

I am, &c. (Signed)

E. GREY.

-1]

• Messrs. D. E. Sassoon, July 19, 1909. (2363 cc-)

To Messrs. D. E. Sassoon, July 27, 1909.