CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 557

OPIUM.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[35248]

No. 1.

[September 7.]

SECTION 2.

Sir,

Colonial Office to Foreign Office.--(Received September 7.)

Downing Street, September 6, 1911.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you copy of telegrams from and to the Officer administering the Government of the Straits Settlements on the subject of the export of opium to Siam.

I am, &c.

Enclosure I in No. 1.

JOIN ANDERSON.

Officer administering the Government of the Straits Settlements to Mr. Harcourt. (Telegraphic.) P.

[Received August 28, 1911.] THROUGH their consul-general at Singapore, the Siamese Government has requested that Straits Government will prohibit export of opium from the colony to Siam except with permit from the consul-general; he is at present the head of the firm of Guthrie and Co. The object is stated to be the prevention of smuggling through Siam into China. Is there any objection to acceding to their request? The power of prohibition is given under section 5 (2) of Ordinance No. 21 of 1909, but this is doubtless for the purpose of protecting our own revenue. I am doubtful if it is expedient to use power for this purpose.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1.

Mr. Harcourt to Officer administering the Government of the Straits Settlements.

Downing Street, September 1, 1911.

(Telegraphic.)

IN reply to your cypher telegram of 28th August: No objection.

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