CO129-445 - Public Offices - 1917 — Page 215

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government. }

OPIUM.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[40430]

No. 1.

20067 REC?

Red 19 APR 17

[February 22.]

SECTION 2,

(No. 82.) (Telegraphic.)

Mr. Alston to Mr. Balfour.-(Received February 22.

MY telegram No. 45 of 2nd February: Opium.

Peking, February 21, 1917.

I have not received copy of agreement, but I have ascertained that it was signed without any proviso as to consent of His Majesty's Government.

Opium merchants hope that I may obtain from Chinese Government acknowledgment that agreement has their cognisance and approval This is to assure Chinese that bonds will be safe against repudiation.

I propose, however, to maintain attitude of complete detachment so as to avoid embarrassing necessity of intervention in the event of failure of Chinese Government to redeem bonds.

Action of Vice-President and Cabinet is being severely criticised by anti-opium party and others, and I would desire to keep clear of this domestic controversy.

My telegram No. 70 of 15th February,

I should know as soon as possible how many provinces are to be inspected, so as

to arrange for inspecting officers.

(Repeated to India.)

2662 y-2]

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