CO129-522-1 Illicit traffic in Chinese opium 7-12-1929 - 29-10-1930 — Page 72

(F.1781/119/87).

NO DISTRIBUTION.

Code telegram to Sir M. Lampson. (Peking).

Foreign Office.

No. 105. (R).

April 2nd. 1930. 6.0.p.m.

71

-o0o-

Acting Governor of Hongkong reports seizure of 83

cases of Yunnan opium on Chinese armed launch which had

gone ashore at British island south of Hongkong. Captain

of launch which was apparently under control of Opium

Suppression Bureau Canton produced papers issued by

bureau which authorized transfer of "anti-opium drugs" to

Swatow. Mayor of Canton acting on behalf of Opium Sup-

pression Bureau Canton subsequently forwarded through His

Majesty's Consul-General formal claim for return of cases

which were described as containing "anti-opium medicine

material for use in preparation of medicine for opium ad-

dicts which was being taken to Chao Mei for Opium Sup-

pression Bureau there to make medicine with and it was

stated that there was no intention of crossing Hongkong

boundary.

Acting Governor has requested authority to return

opium accordingly to Canton authorities.

Please inform Chinese government of facts saying that Hongkong authorities in view of Chinese law on subject of opium were at a loss to know how to proceed and referred matter to His Majesty's Government, that His Majesty's Government having regard to circumstances in which opium came under their control, and to direct claim to owner- ship of opium and request for its return made by the Opium Suppression Bureau of Centon through the Mayor propose to instruct Hongkong government to return it as requested, but before doing so wish to be assured that Chinese government have no objection. We do not, however, in the circumstances feel justified in holding the opium indefinitely and pro- pose to return it in a fortnight's time unless the Chinese government raise objection before then.