CO129-482 - Public Offices - 1923 — Page 412

F_1643/51/87).

P.1635.

Sir "

INDIA OFFICE,

Whitehall,

London, S.W.1.

May 29th, 1923.

410

In reply to your letter, No. F 1021/61/87, dated 25th April, relative to the proposed issue of a King's Regulation controlling the carriage of opium by British ships from ports in the Persian Gulf, I am directed by the Secretary of State for India to say that he is in communication with the Government of India on the subject (copy of telegram enclosed).

As regards the imposition of equivalent restrictions by other Governments who may be concerned in the Persian Gulf trade, I am to observe that it must be presumed that the illicit traffic in opium from the Gulf will not cease if British ships are alone prevented from engaging in this traffic, which will simply be diverted to foreign ships. The effect may thus be to stimulate foreign competition in the Gulf. The Secretary of State is therefore of opinion that, if the present poposal is carried through, other Governments should in due course be requested to impose similar restrictions to those contemplated in the case of British vessels. In view

of the attention now directed to the working of the Hague Convention, it may be anticipated that those Governments might find it difficult to refuse.

I have the honour to be,

Under Secretary of State,

FOREIGN OFFICE.

etc.,

(signed). L.D. Wakely,