CO129-502-10 Macao opium traffic 6-12-1926 - 7-12-1927 — Page 34

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in the census taken in March of this year, the results of which are just announced.

Is it not right that Macau should, under present condi-

tions consume 10 chests of Indian opium?

Mr. Cerveira, our Consul at Hong Kong, tells me that Your Excellency is anxious to know the census of Macau to be able to render us greater help in this matter, I have to count on Your Excellency's very valuable assistance without

which I cannot but see Macau exist without an important

element to help us to cope with our expenditure already reduced to a minimum at great sacrifice, and at the same

time anable us to continue to exercise preventive measures

against the use of illicit opium.

Unless I can supply their wants, as under present

conditions I will lack all moral force to prevent opium-

smokers satisfying their cravings with opium which manu-

factured the Chinese at Lapa.

Without the opium revenue Macau cannot, at present, exist

and without the legal power to secure raw opium, I shall be

obliged to surrender my charge as I cannot face that having

imposed in Macau the spirit of the Convention entered into

by Portugal in common with other nations and imposing direct

Government control Macau should die on my hands.

Excuse me,Your Excellency, for so troubling you, but I

feel that between friends there should not be too great restrictions, and I have, fortunately, proofs of friendships

shown by Your Excellency which I will never forget.

From Lisbon I have a few hopes and I shall be greatly obliged if Your Excellency can give me some information of

what you have been able to secure for me.

With renewed and grateful thanks, and with compliments to yourself and Lady Clementi from Madame Barbosa and myself,

I am,

Yours sincerely,

(Sd) H. M. BARBOSA.