(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government,]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[26385]
No. 1.
0.
REGE 2 AUG 12
(June 21.T
SECTION 2.
554
Sir,
Messrs. E. D. and Messrs. David Sassoon and Co. to Foreign Office.-(Received
June 21.)
17, St. Helen's Place, London, June 20, 1912
WITH further reference to the treatment of the opium question by the Chinese provincial authorities, we have the honour to bring to your notice the following telegram received to-day from our Shanghai house, viz. :—
Kiangsi province issued proclamation establishing monopoly for sale of opium from the 1st July and suppressing trade next December. We have telegraphed to British consul, Kiukiang, and also to the Minister."
From the above you will observe that the independent attitude adopted by the provincial authorities is spreading, and if not immediately checked will assume proportions which it will be impossible to control. May we urge, therefore, that His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of taking such immediate steps as will put a stop to further disregard of treaties, and insist upon the withdrawal of the present restrictions pnt upon the trade.
In our last letter, dated the 11th instant, we asked the support of His Majesty's Government to a claim for compensation from the Chinese Government. Failing this, we beg to suggest that the Chinese Governinent be pressed to take over from the merchants the stocks of Indian opium now in merchants' hands.
We have, &c.
E. D. SASSOON AND Co. DAVID SASSOON AND Co. (Limited).
[2519 x-2]
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