CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 399

Any further communication on the subject of this letter should be addressed

14-

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,

HOME OFFICE,

LONDON, S.W.

and the following number quoted—

119,609/84.

sir,

Berpre

C O 395 24739

REC REG 29 AY 15 HOME OFFICE,

WHITEHALL

25th May, 1915.

Gov

With reference to your letter (8795) of the 2nd March last enclosing documents relating to the illegal smuggling of Morphia from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong by G. L. Duncan of Messrs M'Ewen Freckle & Co., Exporting Agents, 4 Des Voeux Road, Hong Kong, I am directed by the Secretary of State to say he has caused enquiries to

That

be made by the Police concerning Duncan and was informed that as far back as 1911 Duncan cams under the notice of the police in connection with the purchase of large amounts of Morphia in London, but, owing to the statement of Messrs. MacKenzie and Billinghurst, of the firm of T. H. Smith & Co., Morphia Manufacturers, 22 City Road, London, that Duncan and his firm bore the highest reputation, it was thought that his business here was legitimate.

The Secretary of State issued his warrant for the examination of Duncan's correspondence, and I enclose a copy of a police report showing the result of the examination and a copy of the letter more particularly referred to in the report.

Under Secretary of State,

COLONIAL OFFICE.

I am,

sir,

Your obedient Servant,

A.J. Eagleston

0.