CO129-467 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1921 [1-5] — Page 338

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contrary to British Trade interests and a stultification

of the Indian Government's efforts to reduce outside

consumption by rationing its export of the drug.

3. Whether the reduction of opium revenue is in

accordance with a stated policy, and, if so, in what

year such revenue will, in accordance with present

arrangements cease?

4. Whether there is any justification for any

suggestion that the Chinese Government, either Central

or through its Provincial Authorities, is profiting

unfairly vis-a-vis the Hongkong Government?

I am further instructed by my Board to respectfully ask

whether the provision in the Opium Amendment of 1913 (paragraph 16,1) permitting passengers leaving Hongkong

for any country to possess five mace of opium for every

day of their proposed voyage, is still in force, and, if

so, in view of the small gain to the finances of the

Colony through this practice, also to its character,

contrary to the terms of the Dangerous Drug Act,

whether Your Excellency will facilitate ateps whereby

this provision may be struck out.

I have the honour o...

(Sgd.) ARTHUR SOW_REY.

General Secretary.