[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
C. O. 10041
če .370 [May 22.]** 20 JUNIO
SECTION 2.
No. 1.
[21833]
Messrs. E. D. and Messrs. D. Sassoon and Co. to Foreign Office.-(Received May 22.)
Sir,
17, St. Helen's Place, May 21, 1912.
WITH reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the treatment of the opium question by the Chinese provincial authorities, we beg to bring to your notice the following telegrams received from our houses in the Far East, viz. :--
1. Telegram from Bombay, dated 17th instant :
"Canton authorities are imposing on opium obstructive restrictions. Trade is demoralised. We have protested to the Indian Government,”
measures.
2. Telegram from Hong Kong, dated 20th instant :
Canton Opium restrictions extending.
enforcing harassing (Authorities) have duly notified that smoking must cease at expiration of year. Dealers are demoralised. Native cultivation is extending. Macao, Konchaowau, are smuggling uncertificated opium in large quantities."
You will see from the above telegram that the provincial authorities are entirely disregarding the recent opium agreement, and by their action have brought the legitimate trade in certificated Indian opium to a complete standstill, while allowing the native cultivation of the opium poppy to be increased and the smuggling of uncertificated Indian opium to acquire larger proportions.
May we beg that His Majesty's Government will take immediate steps to put a stop to a state of affairs which hinders and oppresses the legitimate trade for the benefit of the illegitimate.
We have, &c.
E. D. SASSOON AND CO. DAVID SASSOON AND CO. (Limited).
[2502 y-2]
Ly
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