CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 566

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

19908

OPIUM.

[May 12.]

PEC

CONFIDENTIAL.

# 16 JUN 11

SECTION 2.

(17919]

No. 1.

Sir,

Foreign Office to Messrs. D. D. Sassoon and Co.

Foreign Office, May 12, 1911. WITH regard to the point raised in the last part of the second paragraph of your letter of the 9th instant concerning the disposal of the stocks of opium in Hong Kong, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to inform you that he has been in consultation with His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject. Sir J. Jordan reports that listed opium in Hong Kong amounts only to 1,330 chests, for which the customs will, if requested, provide bonded warehouse accommodation at Canton, and that there should be no difficulty for the banks and importers financing it to agree to its transfer there. The customs would, however, like to have early notice of the accommodation required. Sir John Jordan considers that the question of an agent or representative at Canton, where there are numerous British firms, is one for the consideration of the opium merchants themselves.

Sir J. Jordan also has telegraphed to the Governor of Hong Kong requesting his Excellency, in order to prevent misapprehension, to notify merchants that uncertificated Indian opium, listed by the customs and colonial authorities for China and exported within the prescribed limit of time, is entitled to bonding privileges at treaty ports, and need not pay 110 taels duty until moved from bond, and that the customs will provide the necessary bonding accommodation.

I am, &c.

F. A. CAMPBELL.

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