T
A
(7)
170
restrictions on the trade.
The Chamber of Commerce would here beg to direct your atten-
tion to the fact that this attempted interference with trade is of
repeated occurrence and as regards opium is a source of almost
Q yearly trouble.
The Chinese Authorities in accordance with their
usual custom will in every way endeavour to minimize the fact that
they are committing a breach of the treaties. Thus the present
tax while a charge on the raw opium trade is put forward as a tax
on prepared opium with a view to discouraging smoking, while the
Bureau, e in order to disarm hostile criticism, is named "The
Bureau for the suppression of Opium".
These are merely aubterfuges, the real reason is the raising
of additional taxes for the benefit of the Viceregal Exchequer at
the expense of foreign trade.
This as already stated, is an old story, as recently as 1902,
1908 and 1908 similar attempts were made by the Canton Authorities
to tax the raw opium trade and create a monopoly, The question was
on these occasions strongly taken up by the British Authorities
and the attempt failed.
Again in 1907 the Viceroy of Nankin endeavoured to create
a similar monopoly, with the same result.
On the present occasion, however, the Chinese Officials
believe they have gained their point.
We already hear of a revival at Nanking of the monopoly
previously attempted and if such a state of affairs is permitted
to continue it may well be extended to other branches of trade
and incite the Chinese Authorities to further ignoring of the
Treaties.
We therefore trust that the importance and possibly far
reaching effect of this movement will receive the most serious
consideration of His Majesty's Government and that definite
instructions may be sent to the Peking Legation with a view
to
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.