CO129-395 - Public Offices - 1912 — Page 106

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

OPIUM.

CONFIDENTIAL.

7164

CECR Reef 8 MAR 12

105

[February 19.]

SECTION 5,

[7149]

(No. 54.) Sir,

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 19.)

No. 1.

Peking, January 31, 1912.

I HAVE the honour to enclose translation of a proclamation issued by the revolutionary authorities at Ning-hsia Fu in Kansu, the principal interest of which lies in the wholesale permission granted for the resumption of opium cultivation.

I have, &c.

J. N. JORDAN.

Enclosure in No. 1.

Proclamation by Revolutionary Authorities at Ning-hsia Fu in Kansu, authorising the Cultivation of Opium, November 25, 1911.

PROCLAMATION issued by Sun, military secretary of the commander-in-chief of the China republican organisation, with charge of affairs at Ning-hsia Fu, notifying the people of his intention to remove by force oppressive regulations so as to relieve the people of their burden.

"Whereas of recent years many new administrative measures have been introduced, increasing the people's burdens and rendering it from day to day increasingly difficult to obtain a livelihood; and

Whereas the prohibition of opium cultivation has cut off a most profitable source

of revenue; and

Whereas as a result of the above all the provinces have risen in revolt, pleading the distress of the people, and cities and towns have fallen in consequence.

The commander-in-chief of the republic hereby notifies all the provinces that out of respect for the zeal of the troops and sympathy for the sufferings of the people, as also because at his desire the people of Ning-hsia raised troops aud caused the land to return to the conditious of two centuries ago, he will on his part do away with the abuses that have so long been accumulating thereon.

Know, therefore, all meu by these presents that from this time forth all the new administrative measures in operation in Ning-hsia are hereby abolished, that all taxation is romitted, and that any person who wills may cultivate opium.

Soldiers and people must scrupulously obey the laws, and trade in every district must be conducted justly and equitably. Rioting and robbery are strictly prohibited.

Offenders will be tried by officers of this Government, or they may be sent here bound, to undergo the death penalty in accordance with martial law. No mercy will be shown.

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