CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12] — Page 69

CONFIDENTIA L.

Sir,

139497/2

Conclosure

SALI - BAR A LA

2

0.9.

67

633

1

RECE

REGE 6 JAN 13,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG. 14th. December, 1912.

I have the honour to confirm my cypher tele-

-gram of the 13th. instant of which a paraphrase is attached.

2.

I enclose copy of a letter from Kerchants in

Hongkong interested in the Opium Trade urging the suspension of sales of certified opium in India, and of a letter from the Managers of the three British Banks here pressing for the same action to be

taken. I also enclose copy of translation of articles from a new

criminal code alleged to have been sanctioned by the Central Govern

-ment of China in lay last. The translation has been furnished by

the Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and I cannot vouch

for the authenticity of the code. The attached summary of the

situation in some of the Provinces of China has been likewise

furnished to me by the Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.

3.

The situation is undoubtedly very grave and I

would ask you to bring it to the notice of the Indian Government

with a view to the adoption, if possible, of the measures of

relief asked for.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Benea

Governor, &c..

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, H.P..

&c.,

&c.,

&c...