CO129-396 - Public Offices - 1912 — Page 417

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without any interval would, I submit, have been apt to cast doubt on the importance of the question in the eyes of my superiors,

I have, &c.

E. H. FRASER.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1.

Consul Pearson to Anhui Tutu.

(Translation.)

(Telegraphic.)

Wuhu, September 13, 1912.

FOREIGN opium trade.

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drawing up strict rules to destroy it utterly. I have, therefore, rigorously prohibited the planting of poppy in this province, and will not permit opium from outside provinces to be imported into my district. Any sunuggled opium discovered will be destroyed. The measures which I have promulgated in this province are absolutely fair, and no differentiation is being shown. There has been no infringement even of the terms of the Anglo-Chinese Opium Agreement. I feel sure that you will entirely share my views in this matter, seeing that you always have the interests of mankind at heart and cultivate friendly relations between China and Great Britain.

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You will be held personally responsible for any wilful infringements of treaty stipulations which may injure the rights of British merchants,

I beg you will defer action for the present, and I shall be obliged if you will wait for the question to be discussed amicably between us,

(Translation.) Sir,

Enclosure 3 in No. 1.

Consul Pearson to Anhui Tutu.

Wuhu, September 21, 1912..

I HAVE the honour to inform you that I have received a telegram from the Shanghai firm of Messrs. Sassoon and Co. stating as follows:-

"On the 17th August two chests of Indian opium, which had been regularly registered at the Shanghai customs and had paid duty, were shipped by the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company's steam-ship Kianghsin to Anking, and from thence forwarded to Wu-yuan-hsien. On arrival at the destination the magistrate and the Opium Prohibition Office sent soldiers to confiscate the chests. In addition, a summon against the head of the opium-shop was issued, which led to his absconding."

Messrs. Sassoon and Co. further report as follows:-

"The prohibition against the import of Indian opium put into force this month by the Anking authorities is aimed at creating an opium monopoly. Further, seven chests of foreign opium, duly declared at the customs, have been seized by the local officials and burnt in the yamên of the tutu. Our firm regard this action of the local officials as an infringement of treaty stipulations, and we beg that you will take steps to protect our interests so as to avoid breaches of treaty and interference with the trade of British merchants."

I have the honour to point out that the circumstances reported by Messrs. Sassoon and Co. indeed constitute an infringement of the recent Opium Agreement, and if, in consequence therefrom, their trade is injured, you yourself will have to bear the respon- sibility.

The work of opium suppression is a noble undertaking, yet it must be conducted in accordance with treaty provisions, and I must request you to hold a strict investigation into the facts reported by Messrs. Sassoon and Co., with a view to putting a stop to any further illegal proceedings of this sort.

The favour of a reply is requested, so that I may refer the matter to His Majesty's Minister for his instructions.

(Translation.)

(Telegraphic.)

Enclosure 4 in No. 1.

I have, &c.

Anhui Tutu to Consul Pearson.

I HAVE received your telegram of the 13th September.

The poisonous effects of opium are far-reaching, and all nations agree in regard to

1 baneful influence on mankind. My aim is to eradicate the vice completely, and by

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(Translation.)

Enclosure 5 in No. 1.

Proclamation issued by Po, Anhui of Tutu.

FOR more than 100 years the opium poison has been circulating in China, destroying the bodies of the people, paralysing their energy, and wasting the wealth of the nation in such a way as gradually to bring ruin on the State and extermination of the race.

In the time of the Manchus many things were mismanaged, and the work of opium prohibition alone was rather satisfactory. The republic being now established, all stains must be cleansed away and thorough reforms instituted.

How can tolerate such evil shapes appearing once more in broad daylight before us?

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I am filled with great loathing against opium, which is a vice requiring to be completely stamped out, and I am now about to adopt most forcible measures to pull up this deadly poison by the roots.

The provincial council has passed eleven concise rules for the prohibition of opium which should be very effective, and it is my duty therefore to promulgate them. In these circumstances I hereby notify all the officials and people throughout the province for their information. All must comply at once with the appended rules for prohibition

of smoking, planting, and transporting. If any presume to defy these orders he will be forthwith severely dealt with. If after the lapse of one year there should be found anyone disobeying these rules he will be executed in accordance with military law. The punishment will accompany the issue of these orders, and no mercy be shown. Let all obey! A special proclamation.

Enclosure & in No. 1.

Proclamation by Po, Tutu of Anhui, dated September 12, 1912.

(Translation.)

Eleven Supplementary Rules for the Prohibition of Opium.

PLANTING of opium is entirely prohibited throughout the province of Anhu If any shall in breach of the regulations secretly plant opium a fine of 50 cents for each stalk shall be inflicted. If there are more than 100 stalks then, in addition to the fine per stalk, the land shall be confiscated.

2. From the date the despatch naming a fixed period arrives the licence system shall cease, and all prepared and raw opium-shops shall shut down. Any kind of opium discovered, whether prepared or raw, shall be destroyed with salt.

3. Those under fifty addicted to opium smoking are given a limit of three months within which to break off the habit; those over fifty are given six months; while those over fifty who are really ill are allowed a limit of ten months. Any breach of this rule will involve a sentence of penal servitude of the fifth grade, or a fine not exceeding 1,000 dollars.

4. Those who for the sake of gain start opium dens for supplying opium to smokers shall be punished with penal servitude of the fourth or lower grades. A fine not exceeding 300 dollars shall be inflicted and the premises confiscated.

5. Manufacturers of opium, sellers of opium, and those found in possession of opium with the intention of selling the same, and those who have imported for sale opium from outside shall be punished with penal servitude of the third grade and the opium shall be destroyed.

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