CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 345

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

CO

16339

13 MAY 11

OPIUM.

[February 4.]

CONFIDENTIAL.

SECTION 1.

[4235]

No. 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 4.)

Peking, February 4, 1911.

(No. 26.) (Telegraphic.) P. ŎPIUM. With reference to your telegram No. 19 of yesterday, the New Year holidays will be over in a few days, and I shall then endeavour to reopen negotiations, and hope to be in a better position to report on the attitude of the Chinese. With regard to the future treatment of uncertified opium, I regret that I am unable to give any

definite assurance. As I pointed out in my telegram No. 17 of the 23rd January, I am afraid the Chinese Government may take advantage of earmarking to interfere with the importation of this class of opium.

The Chinese Government show no sign of wishing to reopen negotiations, and have treated the whole question with studied indifference ever since earmarking was announced.

From their telegram I understand the Government of India only want the first class of opium, namely, that exported or sold before 1911, to be protected, and that third class, that sold in or later than 1911 without certificates may, as far as we are concerned, be freely excluded at once by the Chinese Government.

Without the recognition of certificates by the Chinese Government, their issue to cover the first class would probably not have much effect. The only suggestion I can offer with a view to securing their recognition is that I should inform the Chinese Government that we propose to discontinue present earmarking system unless they come to an understanding on this point.

They are perfectly well aware that the purchases of existing stocks were largely made for speculative purposes, and will shrink from any positive action likely to provoke public criticism.

[1897 d-1]

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