CO129-482 - Public Offices - 1923 — Page 497

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In due time it is intended to take measures by

legislation to limit and prescribe qualification for the persons who are allowed to enter smoking shops or to use orium.

The Government is not, canwhile, idle in regardi All Governint officis ls ha vo

For

to suppressing the use of opium. for a long time boon prohibited by law from its use. violations of this law they are liable to summary dismis sal. Also, since a few years ago, the old military system was super- seded by the present universal military organization, the gare rule is applied in the Army, Navy and Gendarmeries; and members of those forces are not allowed to use opium.

The same rule mplies to prisoners in jails. MORPHINE AND COCAINE.

the views of

With regard to Morphine and Cocaine. the Siamese Government have been explained in a Note from the Siae se Minister for Foreign Affairs to the "etherlands Minister in Bangkok, dated December 29th, 1910, a copy of which has been distributed among the Delegates at this Conference.

Briefly:- As regard Cocaine, there is, so far,

no extensive abuse of the drug in Siam, but the Government is anxious to deal with its use in the same way as with Morphine.

So

↓

The

La regarda Morphine, it is imported into Sian from Eurone and elsewhere and noné is produced in the country. for its sale and use are concerned, the Siamese Government has from the beginning, endeavoured to the utmost of its powers to confine this heraful drug within its legitimate limits. subject is one of great interest to the Siamese Government, which 1s fully persuaded of the very serious danger that may arise unless the trade in this alkaloid is strictly controlled, this end, certain legislation has been drafted, which will be enacted as soon as the consent of the foreign Legations in Bang-

can be secured. kok, in ao far as it is necessary, honed that such consent will be freely given.

It is

To

A copy of this draft Law is a mexed? It is designed to prevent the illegitimate use of Morphine and Cocaine without, however, placing impediments in the way of their legitimate

loyment in medicine. Its two leading orind ples are thereforet. (1) control by the Siamese Government over the amount which may be inported; and, (2) the rendering of accounts by sellers showing that they have dignosed of their supplies in ́s legitimate manner;

1 Note:

Not reproduced here.

The Law was issued in October, 1913