[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.}
C.O
8563
OPIUM.
February 4.]
S MAR 14
CONFIDENTIAL.
SECTION 1.
[4571]
No. 1.
(No. 16.)
(Telegraphic.)
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
Foreign Office, February 1, 1914. YOUR telegram No. 11 of 31st January: Opium stocks.
Although I am recommending to India Office scheme proposed in your despatch No. 2 of 3rd January, I should be unwilling to be committed, even to the extent which you suggest, until they have accepted it.
Would it not be sufficient, if the Chinese Government are impatient, to inform them that the question of the stocks is under consideration here, and that His Majesty's Government cannot be expected to arrive at a decision on a subject involving property worth several millions without time for careful deliberation ?
For reasons stated in your telegram No. 5 of 16th January, I am entirely opposed to purchase by Chinese Government of the stocks, but agree with you that reply to their offer should be made only when we can put forward a counter-proposal.
[2053 d-1]
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