CO129-396 - Public Offices - 1912 — Page 351

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oh muk.

Articles 8 and 8 of chapter 2 referring to prepared, or

manufactured opium. I am informed by the Right Reverend

Bishop Brent of Fanile, whe was president of the Intern-

ational opium conference, that this convention has not yet

been retified by all the signatory and non-signatory

powers but that there is every prospect of the ratifio-

atien taking place at the end of this year. When the

ratifications are an accomplished fact I presume that

the duty of preventing the export of opium to Vanila

will naturally devolve upon the Hongkang Government by

the terms of the Convention.

Meanwhile I venture to anquire of Your Excellency

whether it might not be auvisable for the Hongkong

Government to appoint a commission, or some experienced official, se investigate the whole question of opium exportation with a view to framing some efficient

scheme for preventing snaggling to the Philippines ar

other countries, and whether it would not be advisable,

pending this, to take provisional measures, að cases of

British ships being seized here and released after the

payment or non payment of a fine,acourding to the

circumstances of the case, are of frequent occurrence.

Stara repression of the smugeling at the Hongkong

and would react favourably at the Manila and in everyway.

It would favourably influence the authorities here and

would moreover be a valuable aid in maintaining pleasant

international relations between the Philippine Custems

and British ships, which are liable to be disturbed at

times by unpleasant episodes which have occurred here

in the past and will probably occur in the future.

In conclusion, I have the honour to forward for

Your

India