CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919 — Page 635

7

A 8.6727/19.

(154941).

68797

INDIA OFFICE,

WHITEHALL,

Rach

R 3 EC 19

LONDON,S.W.

624

22nd November, 1919.

Sir:-

In continuation of Mr.Kershaw's letter No.5881/19,dated the 8th October 1919, on the subject of the negotiation of agreements with the Governments of France and Japan, I am directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to inform you that, after further consultation with the Govern- ment of India, it has been decided to offer the opium re- quired by these Goverments for their legitimate requirements at the fixed rate of Rs.4000 per chest. East chest contains forty cakes or balls, of approximately 3 pounds each the total weight being abour 140 1/7 pounds, The opium is parked at a consistency of, as near as possible, 71%. A statement is attached, showing the prices realised at the Calcutta auctions for this opium, for the past twelve months. upset price is now Rs.4833 a chest.

The

2. The Government of India have suggested, and Mr. Montagu concurs, that the proposed arrangements for direct sales to the Governments of the consuming countries should

if possible be extended so as to include the requirements of Macao. Macao is at present supplied with opium under the agreement with the Govertment of Portugal communicated to this office with your letter No.23552 of the 24th May 1913, the actual agreement having been signed on the 14th June, 1913. I copy of the arrangement with the Government of Macao, settling

he Under Secretary of State,

the/

FOREIGN OFFICE.