CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 565

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

C.0

10008

OPIUM

RECO RESP 16 JUN 11

[May 12.]

CONFIDENTIAL.

SECTION 1.

[17987]

(Confidential.) Sir,

No. 1.

Colonial Office to Foreign Office, —(Received May 12.)

Downing Street, May 11, 1911.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, with reference to letter to the Colonial Office of the 5th May, a copy of a telegram to the Governor of Hong Kong on the subject of the opium agreement with China.

I am, &c.

H. BERTRAM COX.

Enclosure in No. 1.

Mr. Harcourt to Governor Sir F. Lugard.

(Confidential.) (Telegraphic.)

Downing Street, May 6, 1911. MATTER most urgent. An arrangement has been arrived at with Chinese Government as to opiumi, and the agreement is to be signed on 8th May. Following is important part of text :---

"On date of signature of agreement a list shall be taken by Commissioners of Customs, acting in concert with colonial and consular officials, of all uncertificated Indian opium in bond at treaty ports, and of all uncertificated opium in stock at Hong Kong which is bona fide intended for the Chinese market; and all such opium shall be marked with labels, and on payment of 110 Peking taels consolidated import duty shall be entitled to the same treaty rights and privileges in China as certificated opium. Opium so marked and in stock at Hong Kong must be exported to a Chinese port within seven days of signature of agreement."

Minister at Peking asks that you should take concerted action with Commissioner of Customs for the listing on Monday, 8th May, of uncertificated opium from India in Hong Kong which is intended for Chinese market. Please take desired action. You will note that the opium must be exported to China within seven days from 8th May.

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