CO129-426 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 568

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty 3060dent

OPIUM.

D

CONFIDENTIAL.

[51101]

No. 1.

REC

566

REG 5 JUL 15

[April 25.}

SECTION 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 28.)

(No. 72.) Sir,

Peking, March 31, 1915. WITH reference to my telegram No. 73, I have the honour to report that I have informed the Chinese Government that I am deputing representatives for the joint inspection of Kiangsu during the period when the poppy is in flower.

The season being later this year, I anticipate that the inspection will begin at the end of April or in the early days of May. In view of the important bearing which the closure of Kiangsu may have upon the question of the stocks at Shanghai, I am instructing Mr. Wilton, the Special Opium Commissioner, and Mr. Rose to undertake the duties of joint inspection,

The latest information from the province indicates cultivation in the north-west and in the northern maritime districts. As far as the remainder of the province is concerned, it would appear that, although poppy is still to be found in a number of the border districts, it is mostly in very small patches and grown in odd corners, in back yards and enclosed gardens, or even mixed up with growing cereals and beans. The Civil Governor left for a tour on 15th March, and His Majesty's consul at Nanking reports that the complete extirpation of the poppy is the point to which he will devote most attention. The consul adds that, in view of the stringent measures taken by the authorities, he feels convinced that, "though much poppy-more than is generally suspected was growing in Kiangsu this year, yet the joint inspection will fail to disclose any remaining."

In accordance with the instructions contained in your despatch No. 263 of 24th September last, I shall submit the inspection reports, before coming to a decision as to the closing of Kiangsu, for the consideration of His Majesty's Government and the Government of India..

I have, &c.

[2396 ee-]

-1]

J. N. JORDAN.