CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922 — Page 13

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

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,

HOME OFFICE,

~02

LONDON, S.W,

and the following number quoted-

402,114/155.

7305

Thect

Read 15.22 WHITEHALL,

10

15th February, 1922.

5387/22

Sir.

I am directed by Mr. Secretary Shortt to refer to your letter of the 30th ultimo (3387/22) and previous correspondence regarding the measures taken

to carry out the provisions of Article 15 of the International Opium

Convention, and to say that as regards Hong Kong and North Borneo, the

measures taken by the Governments of those Colonies to control the export of

the drugs referred to in the International Opium Convention appear to relate

only to opium. Article 15 of the Convention, however, applies not only to raw or prepared opium, but also to morphine, cocaine and the substances

referred to in Article 14 of the Convention, and Mr. Shortt would be glad if

he could be informed whether the same restrictions are in force in regard to

these drugs as in regard to raw or prepared opium. In the case of Wei-hai-wei, - the Ordinance covers all the drugs in question. As His Majesty's Government are being pressed by the League of Nations to furnish information or this subject at the earliest possible date, and in view of the approaching meeting of the Opium Advisory Committee of the League, Mr. Shortt suggests that if the information is not already available in the Colonial Office, inquiry might be made of the Goverments of Hong Kong and North Borneo by telegram.

Mr. Shortt would also call attention to the reply of the Government of Hong Kong to questions 17 and 18 of the League of Nations Questiomaire, which is to the effect that these questions do not concern Hong Kong. As the se questions relate to the administration of the laws in force for the prevention of smuggling, this reply does not seem to be adequate. Mr. Shortt thinks it would be desirable that some general account should be given of the local administration of the laws in question. He is aware that it is stated that owing to the revival of the cultivation of the poppy in China, no smuggling from Hong Kong into China of opium now takes place, but that change in the situation is of comparatively recent date, and it is important to show that His Majesty's Government have taken the necessary action to carry out their obligations in the matter under the Convention. Mr. Shortt suggests that the local Government should be asked by telegram to supplement their reply on this subject, if the information is not already available in the Colonial

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

Office/

rdia fice

W & S Ltd.