[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
538
25501
REC [August 19 AUG 10
CONFIDENTIAL.
[28763]
No. 1.
SECTION 1.
Mr. Hewitt to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received August 8.)
Hong Kong, August 8, 1910. (Telegraphic.) En clair.
CANTON opium monopolist runners still watch raw opium shops Swatow, stopping all business unless illegal tax paid. On 2nd August further twenty balls Patna seized Samshui, although bearing customs transit pass. Two whole chests, after being passed Maritime Customs Hong Kong and Taichen, duty and li-kin paid in transit to Tsang-sing and Loongmoon, seized in Suntong; owner sent in chains to Canton; released after two days on signing bond pay fine 1,855 taels; monopolist pays no regard Maritime Customs transit passes. Native dealers dare not trade raw opium; business entirely stopped; apparently useless making further appeals. Wai-wu Pu urge upon Home Government send definite instructions chargé d'affaires insist immediate abolition illegal tax and opium monopoly; Chamber Commerce considers so long Indian agreement exists merchants entitled trade raw opium under terms, treaties, and that some Government should enforce recognition of treaty rights.
-11
[2860 h-
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.