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As certain of the Signatory Powers are not represented at the Conference, it seems to be doubtful whether we are able to modify the Convention. Further- more, it does not seem logical to us to eliminate a provision which has been executed and to which consequences are therefore attached. Therefore the Editing Committee, entirely in accord with our Honorary President, proposes that the form of a romu be here used, as in the resolution of July 4.
This roeu goes further than to prolong for one year the period prescribed by paragraph 2 of Article 23 of the Convention; it also expresses the hope that should the signature of all the Powers not be obtained in this interim, à third Opium Conference should be called, not to examine the possibility of depositing ratifications because this possibility is already considered but to examine
the possibility of putting the Convention into force.
The Editing Committee begs the Convention to begin by taking under con- sideration this roen sub III and put between parentheses. If adopted by the Conference this roen may be made a part of our proposed Protocol.
The Editing Committee has therefore the honor to propose that the Conference: 1st. Express the wish that if the signature of all the Powers invited in accor- dance with paragraph 1 of Article 23 be not obtained by December 31, 1913, the Government of the Netherlands immediately invite the Signatory Powers at that date to appoint Delegates to proceed to the Hague to examine the possibility of putting in force the International Opium Conference of January 23, 1912.
2nd. In case this proposition should be accepted, to take under consideration the proposed Protocol of Cloture in which the parentheses on Pages 4 and 5 should then be erased.
The President thanked the Editing Committee for their conscientious labors, of which their distinguished Chairman, Mr. VAN DEVENTER, had just presented so clear a résumé.
Dr. Wu Lien-Teh: As to the question of time limit for the non-signatory Powers to sign the Convention, we are still inclined to think that a month or two would be sufficient. If the representations to be made are to have effect, in two months replies would be forthcoming. If not, undue extension of time makes little difference. We shall however not press the point, but we should like to place it on record again that China has from beginning to end desired to see the International Opium Convention unanimously ratified at the earliest possible date.
Mr. King supplied a French translation of Dr. Wu's remarks.
Sir William Collins, on behalf of the British Delegation, said that he entirely agreed with the proposition of the Editing Committee, as put before the Conference in the able statement of Mr. VAN DEVENTER. While the British Delc- gation's resolution which was carried at the last sitting did suggest the possibility of an amendment of Article 23, they quite realized with the Chairman of the Committee that any alteration of the previous Convention was undesirable, and they felt the difficulty had been completely met by the rozu which was now submitted in place of an amendment.
The recommendations of the Editing Committee were carried unanimously, amid applause,
The President opened the discussion of the proposed Protocol of Cloture as a whole. As no one took the floor or requested an individual vote, the Protocol of Cloture was adopted by acclamation.
(Prolonged applause.)
His Exe. Mr. Ferreira asked that there appear in the records an expression of his regret that the suggestions of Mr. Vincest, Delegate of the Republic of Haiti, could not be considered.
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The President, referring to the reply which he made to Mr. ARCHER in the previous meeting regarding the necessity of the representation in a third Conference of the States who have already ratified the Convention, said that as examination is at present being made of the possibility of putting the Con- vention in force, it would be necessary that all the Signatory States be repre- sented.
The President said that many Delegates have no full powers but that he hoped that these Delegates would, nevertheless, sign the Protocol of Cloture, as this Protocol contains only voeur.
His Exc. Mr. Huneeus said that Their Excellencies the Delegates of Brazil and Mexico had asked him to state their adhesion to all the decisions of this meeting and to express their regret that, on account of personal engagements, they were not able to be present.
It was decided that the closing meeting should take place the following day at three o'clock in the afternoon and that the Protocol be signed after this meeting.
In accordance with a wish expressed by His Excellency Mr. de Peralta the President announced that the Protocol would be open for signature at noon for those Delegates who were unable to attend the afternoon meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
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