CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 125

123

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

со 17590

OPIUM.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[18676]

No. 1.

REC

REGE I JUN TO

[May 26.]

SECTION 1.

Sir,

India Office to Foreign Office.-(Received May 26.)

India Office, May 25, 1910.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to state that the Government of India have telegraphed that they have received representations from Indian exporters of opium against alleged additional taxation of 300 dollars per

chest on Indian opium in Kwangtung. The Government of India have no knowledge of the facts, but persistent tumours regarding it are depressing the price of opium in Calcutta, and exporters are said to be in a state bordering on panic.

2. I am to enquire whether the Foreign Office has any information on the subject, and to suggest that His Majesty's Minister should be asked, by telegram, for a report on the facts, and to advise as to whether the action of the Provincial Government should be made the subject of representations to the Imperial Chinese Government.

3. In a further telegram since received the Government of India report that they have informed His Majesty's Minister at Peking, by telegraph, of the rumours current in India as to the imposition of the duty and as to Indian opium being refused admission in places, and have asked him to let them know what foundation there is for the apprehensions prevailing. It is presumed that the Minister will acquaint the Foreign Office with the substance of his reply.

[2765 cc-3

-1}

I

am,

&c.

R. RITCHIE.