CO129-406 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 10

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

OPIUM.

C.O

24090

REC? [May G 14 JUL 13

CONFIDENTIAL.

[24577]

No. 1.

SECTION 1.

Sir,

Colonial Office to Foreign Office.—(Received May 29.)

Downing Street, May 28, 1913. I AM directed by Mr. Secretary Harcourt to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th May, forwarding a copy of a note from the Portuguese Chargé d'Affaires on the subject of the proposed agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Portugal as to the opium traffic.

2. Although Mr. Harcourt would still prefer that provision should not be made for a fixed term of years at the commencement of the agreement, he is prepared to acquiesce in the period of five years suggested by the Chargé d'Affaires if the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for India should desire it.

3. But as regards the remainder of the additional article proposed by the Portuguese Government, he desires me to say that, in his opinion, either party to the agreement should be able to terminate it at any time after five years have elapsed, by giving notice. For this purpose Mr. Harcourt would have no objection to the term of notice being extended to twelve months, if that period should commend itself to Sir Edward Grey.

I am, &c.

(For the Under-Secretary of State),

H. J. READ.

[2926 ƒ-1]

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