CO129-364 - Public Offices & Others - 1909 — Page 418

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items contained in the tentative programme for the

International Conference which is advocated by the

Goverrment of the United States. I feel, however,

that I ought not to omit to draw special attention

to the one marked (h) "The propriety of restudying

treaty obligations and international agreements

under which the opium traffic is at present

conducted".

It will be seen that at Shanghai the

Delegation of the United States, supported by the

Chinese Delegation endeavoured to bring under review

the treaties and agreements referred to. This was

successfully resisted by the British Delegation,

which was ably supported by the Japanese Delegation.

It cannot be necessary for me to dilate on the

inexpediency of allowing any matter of that kind to

come under the consideration of an International Con-

ference. The interests and responsibilities of this

country are far greater in regard to the subject

matter than those of any other country that would be

represented at such a Conference, and I have little

doubt that His Majesty's Government will not be pre-

pared to submit the propriety of any Treaties and

Agreements they have entered into for discussion by

any tribunal that may be formed.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

fear flement Smut.

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